Punjab and Haryana High Court Directs State to Revamp School Infrastructure
Court Orders Immediate Action to Fulfill Constitutional Right to Education; Calls for Public Interest Litigation
In a significant ruling on September 22, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, under Justice N.S. Shekhawat, has issued directives to the State of Punjab to address infrastructural inadequacies in government schools. The judgment stems from a petition filed by Vikramjeet Singh concerning his transfer from Government Middle School Tapiala, District Amritsar. The case highlights severe deficiencies in school amenities and staffing, prompting the court to express grave concern over the state of education.
The petitioner, a Hindi teacher and the sole educator at Government Middle School Tapiala, revealed that the school operates with just one classroom for grades 6 to 8, lacking basic facilities such as separate toilets for staff and students, adequate teaching personnel, and infrastructure. The school, which has admitted only nine students, underscores the broader issue of educational neglect in Punjab's government schools.
The court emphasized the constitutional mandate under Article 21-A, which obligates the State to provide free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14. Justice Shekhawat pointed out that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, necessitates proper school establishment, infrastructure, and staffing, which are currently unmet by the State.
In light of these findings, the court directed the Secretary of the Department of Education, Government of Punjab, to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the infrastructural gaps and teacher shortages in government middle schools across the state. The affidavit must include data on schools with inadequate classrooms, lack of headmasters, insufficient teaching staff, absence of separate toilets, and non-availability of clean drinking water and playgrounds.
The judgment also referenced several Supreme Court rulings, emphasizing the fundamental nature of the right to education and its integral role in developing an egalitarian society. It invoked precedents such as Brown v. Board of Education, underscoring the need for non-discriminatory, quality education for all children.
The court's decision marks a pivotal step in transforming educational standards in Punjab, stressing that the State must ensure not just free and compulsory education but also quality education without discrimination based on economic, social, or cultural backgrounds.
As part of this judicial intervention, the court has requested that the order be treated as a Public Interest Litigation, urging systemic reforms across Punjab's educational institutions. The case is set for further consideration on October 14, 2025.
Bottom Line:
Education - The State is obligated to provide free and compulsory education under Article 21-A of the Constitution of India and ensure adequate infrastructure, qualified teachers, and basic amenities in schools, without discrimination based on economic, social, or cultural background.
Statutory provision(s): Article 21-A of the Constitution of India, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (Sections 3, 6, 7, 26), Constitution (86th Amendment) Act, 2002.
Vikramjeet Singh v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2794349
