Allahabad High Court Reserves Judgment on Primary School Mergers in Uttar Pradesh

Court Hearing on School Mergers

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has concluded its hearings regarding petitions challenging the merger of primary schools in the state and has reserved its judgment as of Friday.

This decision was made by a bench led by Justice Pankaj Bhatia, following the submission of two separate petitions by Krishna Kumari and others. The petitioners are seeking the annulment of the state government's order issued on June 16 concerning the mergers.

The attorneys representing the petitioners, L.P. Mishra and Gaurav Mehrotra, argued that the government's actions violate the right to education guaranteed under Article 21A of the Constitution for children aged 6 to 14, as it deprives them of access to education in their local areas.

The petition contends that if a school has a low student enrollment, the government should focus on improving the school's standards to attract more students, rather than opting for closures or mergers as an easier solution.

On the other hand, the state's Director of Basic Education, along with Additional Advocate General Anuj Kudesia and Senior Advocate Sandeep Dixit, defended the government's decision, asserting that it was made in accordance with regulations and was free from errors or illegality.

The government argued that there are several schools with no students at all. They clarified that no schools have been merged but rather consolidated, and those primary schools that have been combined are not being shut down.

During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General Anuj Kudesia repeatedly requested the court to impose a ban on reporting related to this case, claiming that media coverage was damaging the reputation of government lawyers. However, Justice Bhatia outright rejected this request.