Supreme Court Seeks Replies on RTE Implementation

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Centre, States, and Union Territories to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding effective implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Understanding Public Interest Litigation (PIL):

• PIL allows any individual or organization to approach the court in the interest of the public, especially for marginalized sections.

Key Features

• Relaxation of Locus Standi: Anyone can file a case, not just the affected party.
• Epistolary Jurisdiction: Courts may accept letters/postcards as petitions.
• Suo Motu Action: Courts can initiate cases on their own.

Historical Background

• Introduced during the late 1970s–1980s.
• Key contributors:
  • Justice P. N. Bhagwati
  • Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer
• Considered a major tool of judicial activism in India.

Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 – Key Points

Constitutional Basis

• Article 21A: Makes education a Fundamental Right (6–14 years).
• 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 introduced this provision.
• Supporting provisions:
  • Article 45: Early childhood care (DPSP)
  • Article 51A(k): Duty of parents to provide education

Major Provisions

• Free & Compulsory Education for children aged 6–14 years (Classes I–VIII)
• 25% Reservation in private unaided schools for:
  • Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

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