RTE Act: Schools Cannot Delay Admission Due to Eligibility Disputes, Says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled that private "neighbourhood schools" must grant immediate admission to students allotted by the State under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

The bench clarified that schools cannot withhold admission while a dispute regarding a student's eligibility is pending.

While schools may approach authorities for clarification, they must admit the student to actualize Article 21A. 

The Court emphasized that schools cannot "sit in appeal" over State decisions, stressing that the 25% reservation for disadvantaged groups is a "national mission" essential for securing social equality and transforming India's social structure.

[Lucknow Public School v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.]