The Gauhati High Court recently chastised the Assam education department for failing to enforce the Right to Education (RTE) Act in the state. A Bench of Chief Justice (CJ) Sandeep Mehta and Justice Mitali Thakuria recently directed the concerned authorities to ensure that admissions are provided in accordance with the Act’s mandate. During the hearing, the CJ grilled counsel about why there were no solid modalities or a dedicated portal was in place, and why such admissions were not being completed. “You want them to apply online. They are already deprived. How will they apply?” CJI slammed. The Court was considering a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding the RTE Act’s implementation. The petitioners claimed that schools were charging money for admitting children or pressuring parents to sign blank undertakings. When counsel for the respondents stated that modalities were being worked out and that children should apply accordingly if benefits were refused, CJ Mehta responded.
