The Supreme Court dismissed an NGO’s plea regarding the poor condition of government schools in Madhya Pradesh. The NGO had sought intervention to improve the state-run schools’ infrastructure and resources, highlighting concerns over inadequate facilities. However, the Court declined to take up the matter.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court declined to consider an NGO’s plea concerning the condition of government schools in Madhya Pradesh.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra directed the NGO, Social Jurist, to “move the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution.”
The bench stated,
“The petition is accordingly dismissed with the grant of liberty in the above terms,”
The NGO’s petition included photographs depicting the “poor” state of several schools, showing dilapidated buildings in five schools in Khajuraho district.
In his PIL, Ashok Agarwal, lawyer and adviser to Social Jurist, stated,
“It is respectfully submitted that these are only samples which clearly indicate that lakhs of students enrolled with Madhya Pradesh government-run schools are studying not only in dangerous school buildings but also in buildings lacking adequate desks, benches, and sufficient water supply.”
The plea further argued that government schools should be equipped with state-of-the-art buildings.
The petition asserts that,
“No sweeper is assigned to any of the schools, resulting in all washrooms being in unhygienic conditions,”
And notes “a severe shortage of teachers relative to the number of enrolled students.” It calls on the Madhya Pradesh government to “immediately arrange for teachers for students.”
The petition argues that the poor and unhygienic conditions in the schools infringe upon the right to education guaranteed by Articles 14, 21, and 21-A of the Constitution, which include the right to equality, the protection of life and personal liberty, and the right to free and compulsory education.
Additionally, it highlights concerns that “the school uniforms are made of synthetic material, which may lead to skin issues.”
The petition concludes by stating,
“The inactions outlined demonstrate the Madhya Pradesh government’s blatant violation of the human and fundamental rights to education for students. Therefore, we are seeking the intervention of this Hon’ble Court to treat this letter petition as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and urge your Lordships to issue necessary directions to the government of Madhya Pradesh.”
The dismissal sparked a debate on the role of the judiciary in addressing educational rights and the responsibilities of the state government to uphold these rights.
Advocates for educational reform in Madhya Pradesh continue to express concern over the implications of this decision and the ongoing challenges faced by schools in the state, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention to rectify the highlighted issues and ensure that students receive a safe, equitable, and quality education.