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Supreme Court Rules Neighbourhood Private Schools Must Admit RTE Students Without Delay
On April 28, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that private unaided neighbourhood schools must admit students allotted under the Right to Education (RTE) framework without delay, making admission a national mission. The court upheld a high court order in a case involving a student allocated to Lucknow Public School for the 2024-25 academic year, rejecting the school's challenge. The ruling emphasizes that denial of such admissions undermines the fundamental right to education under Article 21A and clarifies that once the state forwards an eligibility list, schools have no option but to admit.
Why It Matters
Strengthens enforcement of the RTE admissions framework and reinforces the constitutional obligation to provide free and compulsory education to disadvantaged students.
Timeline
2 Events
Supreme Court Upholds High Court Order on RTE Admissions
April 28, 2026
The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe dismissed the appeal filed by Lucknow Public School, Eldico and upheld the High Court's order directing it to admit a student allotted under the RTE framework. The Court held that once a state forwards a list of eligible children, the school has no option but to grant admission. It described admission under the RTE Act as a national mission and emphasized that denial undermines the right to education under Article 21A.
Earlier admission dispute under UP RTE Rules
2024
A student was allotted to Lucknow Public School for pre-primary admission for the 2024-25 academic year under the Uttar Pradesh Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011. The school refused admission, citing uncertainty about eligibility. The student moved the High Court, which ruled in her favour, stating that private unaided neighbourhood schools do not have the authority to sit in appeal over eligibility decisions made by the state's Basic Education Department.