Supreme Court Issues Notice on PIL Over Non-Implementation of RTE Quota in Punjab Schools

June 15, 2026

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Punjab government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging continued non-implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, resulting in denial of free education to children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.

Plea Flags Non-Compliance of RTE Act in Private Schools

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana passed the order while hearing a petition filed by K.S. Raju Legal Trust through its representative, Dr Jagmohan Singh Raju.

The petitioner contended that several private schools in Punjab have failed to implement Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, which mandates 25 per cent reservation at the entry level for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.

Allegations of Widespread Non-Admission Under EWS Quota

During the hearing, the petitioner argued that while nearly 50,000 students should have been admitted under the EWS quota, RTI data showed that some schools had not admitted even a single child under the scheme for nearly 15 years.

The CJI noted that a counter affidavit from the government confirmed admissions under the EWS category but advised the petitioner to conduct a detailed study on actual compliance.

Supreme Court Seeks Detailed Data on Implementation

The Bench observed that a comprehensive study was needed on the number of recognised private schools and actual admissions under the RTE quota.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 17.

Plea Seeks Stronger Enforcement of RTE Provisions

The petition claims that despite the enactment of the RTE Act to ensure the fundamental right to education under Article 21A, its implementation in Punjab remains “substantially unfulfilled”.

It further alleges that continued non-compliance with Sections 12(1)(c), 12(2), and 18 has weakened the constitutional guarantee of education for children from disadvantaged groups.

The plea has also sought a transparent monitoring system, public data on admissions, and strict enforcement measures against non-compliant schools.