Denial of admission; HC asks Delhi government to probe, take steps

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today asked the city government to probe the allegation of an NGO that over 80 kids have been denied admission in schools on the ground that they do not have residential proof.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and R S Endlaw said though it cannot hold an inquiry but will direct the Directorate Of Education (DoE) to inquire and take remedial steps within two weeks.

"Let DoE apply its mind and look into the allegation," the judge said, adding the students can approach the schools for admission.

The court said if the children approach them, the schools should take proper action in this regard and will also look into all aspects.

The court's direction came on a PIL filed through NGO Social Jurist which alleged over 81 children in the age group of 6-14 years from Yamuna Khadar area here were denied admission in schools of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) on the grounds of non-availability of their resident proofs and birth certificates.

"The action is utter violation of the provisions of Right of Children to free and Compulsory Education," advocate Ashok Agarwal, appearing for the children and the NGO, said.

The counsel further stated that on September 8 13 children of Yamuna Khadar appraised him about the facts on which he personally spotted the kids.

The counsel for Delhi government and EDMC opposed the NGO's contention asking if they had approached the schools and if they did then in which area.

They have not filed any affidavit in this regard nor any proof has been produced before this court, EDMC said.