Polity📖 3 min read

Supreme Court to Hear PIL on Regulating Education for Children Below 14 Years

PIL seeks regulation of all educational institutions for children up to 14 years.

Source: The Hindu
Summary of News

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on May 11. This PIL requests the government to take steps to register, recognise, supervise, and monitor all institutions that provide education to children below 14 years of age. This includes both secular education and religious instruction. The petition highlights the importance of these measures in line with constitutional provisions like Article 21A, Article 39(f), Article 45, and Article 51-A(k), which focus on the right to education and child welfare.

Key Points for Exam
  • The Supreme Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the regulation of educational institutions.
  • The PIL asks the government to register, recognise, supervise, and monitor all institutions educating children up to 14 years.
  • This regulation is sought for institutions imparting both secular education and religious instruction.
  • The petition invokes constitutional articles such as 21A, 39(f), 45, and 51-A(k).
  • The hearing aims to ensure appropriate steps are taken for child education and welfare.
Important Keywords Explained
Supreme Court of Indiaorganization

Established on January 26, 1950, it is the highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India. It is located in New Delhi and functions as the guardian of the Constitution.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)concept

A PIL is litigation filed in a court of law for the protection of 'public interest'. It is a powerful tool to ensure justice for those who cannot approach the court themselves, often involving issues like human rights, environmental protection, and public welfare.

Right to Educationconcept

The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, makes elementary education a fundamental right for all children aged 6 to 14 years in India. It mandates free and compulsory education, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

Article 21Aact

This article of the Indian Constitution declares that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine. It was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.

Additional Facts & Context
1Article 21A, guaranteeing the Right to Education, was inserted into the Constitution by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2002.
2Article 45, a Directive Principle of State Policy, originally mandated free and compulsory education for all children until they complete 14 years of age.
3Article 39(f) directs the State to ensure that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity.
4Article 51-A(k) is a Fundamental Duty, stating that it is the duty of every citizen who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
Examiner's Tip

For competitive exams, focus on the constitutional articles related to the Right to Education (Article 21A, 45, 51-A(k)) and the concept of Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

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Memory Trick

Remember: '21A for All' - Article 21A ensures education for all children aged 6-14, making it a fundamental right.

Connected Concepts / Topics
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