Delhi High Court

Delhi HC Directs Schools To Not Insist On Strict Adherence To Neighbourhood Criteria For EWS Reservation

The Delhi High Court recently held that private schools cannot insist on strict adherence to the neighbourhood criteria for admissions under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)/Disadvantaged Group (DG) categories. A single-judge Justice Mini Pushkarna emphasized that the purpose of EWS reservation in schools would be undermined if seats designated for this category remained vacant solely because prospective students did not meet the neighbourhood criteria, which requires them to reside within close proximity to the school.

“The court cannot be oblivious of the noble purpose with which criteria has been developed for reservation of seats under the EWS/DG category. The social purpose of reservation of seats under the EWS/DG category cannot be allowed to be lost, if such objections with regard to the applicants not meeting the neighbourhood criteria, are entertained especially when admissions under the EWS/DG category are involved,” the bench stated.

The single bench made these observations in response to a plea filed by two applicants who were selected for admission at Principal Happy Hours schools in Delhi through a draw of lots conducted by the Department of Education. However, the school denied them admission, citing their residence being approximately 4 Km away from the school, thereby not meeting the neighbourhood criteria.

After careful consideration of the case, Justice Pushkarna dismissed the school’s objection and directed it to admit the petitioners in Class I under the EWS category. The bench further emphasized that the order is passed with the aim of ensuring equal educational opportunities for children from economically weaker section, enabling them to integrate into society.

 

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Punjab & Haryana HC Notice To Jindal Law School Over AI-Generated Exam Claims

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday has issued a notice to Jindal Global…

7 hours ago

ED Files Money Laundering Complaint Against Charanjit Singh Bajaj, 4 Others

The ED on Tuesday has filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court in Mohali…

8 hours ago

Pune Porsche Case: SC Rejects Anticipatory Bail To Father Of Minor Driver’s Friend

The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied bail to Arunkumar Devnath Singh, whose son is a…

9 hours ago

SC Dumps Plea Against Quashing LOC For Sushant Singh Rajput’s Ex-House Help

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Centre's appeal against a Bombay High Court order…

9 hours ago

Rape Case: SC Issues Notice On Ex-Army Officer’s Plea For Quashing Charge sheet

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has agreed to review a plea from retired Army Captain…

10 hours ago

Chhattisgarh NAN Scam: FIR Against 2 Retired IAS Officers, Former AG

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday has registered a case against 2 retired IAS officers…

10 hours ago