Rajasthan High Court Directs CBSE to Re-evaluate School Affiliation Decisions Amid Allegations of Discrimination
Interim relief granted to affected students while CBSE re-examines affiliation withdrawal amid claims of bias in handling school deficiencies.
In a landmark decision, the Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur Bench, has ordered the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to re-examine its decision to withdraw affiliations from LBS Convent School and The Lord Buddha Public School. The institutions, alongside Shiv Jyoti Convent Senior Secondary School, were initially de-affiliated for a year due to alleged deficiencies and violations of CBSE bye-laws. However, the former two schools claim they were treated unfairly compared to Shiv Jyoti, which was allowed to rectify its deficiencies and was imposed a lighter penalty.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand on September 15, 2025, in S.B. Civil Writ Petition Nos. 9380/2025, 9711/2025, 10244/2025, and 12568/2025, highlights the petitioners' allegations of discriminatory treatment and questions the CBSE's inconsistent application of penalties. The Court has directed CBSE to conduct a comparative analysis between the schools and issue fresh orders.
In the meantime, interim relief has been granted to allow affected students to continue their studies and appear for exams while awaiting the CBSE's decision. The Court also underscored the negative impact of "dummy schools" on students' education and mental health, urging stricter enforcement of attendance policies.
Moreover, the judgment emphasizes the critical role of parents in career decision-making for students, advocating a balanced approach that respects students' autonomy. The Court recommended the establishment of counseling centers in schools to support both students and parents in making informed career choices.
The State Government and CBSE have been instructed to establish Special Investigating Teams for regular inspections of schools and coaching centers to ensure adherence to bye-laws and to curb malpractices such as dummy admissions.
Bottom Line:
Affiliation of schools to CBSE - Allegation of deficiencies and bye-law violations - Discriminatory treatment of schools in comparison to another similarly situated school - Matter remitted back to CBSE for re-examination and passing appropriate orders.
Statutory provision(s): Education Law.
