The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): In a recent hearing at the Karnataka High Court, a parents’ association expressed strong objections against the state government’s plan to hold board examinations for Classes 5, 8, 9, and 11 without prior consultation with stakeholders. This move has sparked significant concern among parents affiliated with the state board schools.
Represented by counsel A Velan before the division bench of Justice K Somashekhar and Justice Rajesh Rai K, the parents’ body intervened in the state’s appeal against a single bench’s decision that rejected the implementation of board exams. Velan highlighted the infringement of parents’ constitutional rights due to the lack of notice and consultation regarding such a significant educational policy change.
Drawing on references from the Constituent Assembly debates, National Education Policy, various judicial precedents, and international treaties to which India is a signatory, Velan argued that executive decisions impacting education should not be made without engaging with the concerned stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of considering the potential psychological impact on students, noting the correlation between exam stress and student suicides.
The argument extended to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, underscoring that it mandates the inclusion of parents in school committees to safeguard children’s interests. However, the court noted that parental rights under Section 21 of the RTE Act have limitations, and policy matters are generally represented through elected officials such as MPs and MLAs.
The hearing also witnessed a moment of stern admonishment from the bench towards advocates seeking adjournments on behalf of the Registered Unaided Private Schools Management Association and the Organisation for Unaided Recognised Schools, highlighting the court’s expectation for substantive arguments rather than procedural delays.
The court’s directive to proceed with arguments on March 18 underlines the urgency and significance of addressing the concerns raised by the parents’ association, while also emphasizing the legal and ethical obligations of counsel to contribute constructively to the proceedings.
