Dummy schools allegedly allow students to bypass regular schooling by providing minimal academic infrastructure. These schools reportedly enable students to appear for board exams without attending the required classes, often based on “absolutely false information.”
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the state government and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to take strict action against “dummy” schools operating in the national capital. These schools allegedly grant Delhi domicile benefits to students from other states without requiring them to attend regular classes.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela referred to these schools as a “fraud” and expressed serious concerns about their practices. They noted that students enrolled in such schools often skip attending classes and instead focus solely on coaching centers. The bench stated:
“It has been noticed that students do not attend classes in schools; rather spend time in coaching centres. However, they are allowed to take examinations by education boards where they are required to put in requisite minimum attendance.”
The court directed the Delhi government and CBSE to inspect such schools and file affidavits detailing actions taken against them.
Dummy schools allegedly allow students to bypass regular schooling by providing minimal academic infrastructure. These schools reportedly enable students to appear for board exams without attending the required classes, often based on “absolutely false information.”
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The Delhi government’s counsel denied the existence of “dummy” schools, calling the issue exaggerated and “mis-characterised.” He argued that all schools must comply with their affiliation rules, and appropriate action is taken against violators. However, the court pressed for further clarification, asking:
“What action has the state education department taken even on the alleged fake admissions?”
The counsel admitted that action had been initiated in two cases but maintained there was no formal complaint regarding “dummy” schools.
The CBSE’s counsel revealed that action had been taken against over 300 dummy schools across India. The bench instructed the education department to conduct surveys and, if needed, surprise inspections to collect necessary information.
The court noted:
“CBSE will also gather information and share it with the state government. Once such information is received, necessary action permissible in law be taken against the management of such schools.”
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Rajeev Aggarwal, who challenged the eligibility criteria for MBBS and BDS seats under the Delhi State Quota (DSQ).
He alleged that dummy schools act as a “virtual platform” for students to falsely claim Delhi domicile benefits. Aggarwal argued that these schools allow students to enroll after passing their Class 10 exams elsewhere, solely to gain access to DSQ seats meant for Delhi residents.
