Chhattisgarh HC orders Holy Cross School to share student records with biological father in 15 days
Chhattisgarh High Court
has directed
Holy Cross Convent Senior Secondary School
, Ambikapur, to provide information to the
biological father
of a student within 15 days.
The order of the Single Bench of Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad came in response to a petition filed by the father, Rahul Gupta, who sought copies of his son's Dakhil-Kharij (
transfer certificate
) and admission form.
The petitioner stated that he applied to the CBSE-affiliated school on April 27, 2024, for the documents but received no response. Subsequently, he filed an application under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, with the district education office, Surguja, on April 29, 2024. However, this request was denied on the grounds that private schools are not covered under the RTI Act.
Aggrieved by this, the petitioner filed a first appeal to the District Education Officer and First Appellate Authority, citing a previous letter from the office and decisions of the Central Information Commission indicating that private schools are indeed covered under Sections 2(g) and 2(h) of the RTI Act. The First Appellate Authority upheld the denial.
The petitioner then filed complaints with the District Collector of Surguja, the Chief Minister, the Secretary of School Education, and the District Collector.
The District Education Officer, acting on the Chief Minister's Office's response, directed the petitioner to communicate with the school. On October 25, 2024, the petitioner reapplied to Holy Cross Convent Senior Secondary School, with an intimation to the District Education Officer, but the school again denied the request on October 29, 2024.
The school's counsel argued in court that the application was denied due to a dispute between the child's mother and father.
However, the High Court, considering the petitioner's right to information as the biological father, directed the school to provide the requested information within 15 days of receiving a certified copy of the order. The court also instructed the school to provide the information to the petitioner's address, email, and mobile number as listed in the petition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
SC says multiple documents for citizenship in Bihar SIR are voter-friendly
The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that the availability of multiple documents to prove citizenship under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls was 'voter-friendly rather than restrictive.' Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the observation during a hearing on petitions challenging the Election Commission of India's (ECI's) June 24 directive ordering the SIR. Senior Advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for one of the petitioners, had raised concerns about the exclusionary nature of the verification exercise. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi is hearing multiple petitions contesting the ECI's directive, which mandates that voters not listed in the 2003 electoral roll must furnish documents to prove citizenship. Individuals born after December 2004 are also required to submit citizenship proof of both parents, with additional conditions if a parent is a foreign national. The court noted that the SIR in Bihar permits any of 11 documents to be submitted to establish citizenship, whereas the earlier summary revision in Jharkhand allowed only seven documents for identity verification. While acknowledging concerns around Aadhaar exclusion, Justice Bagchi said the broader set of documents available in Bihar makes the process 'voter-friendly rather than restrictive.' Singhvi, however, questioned the "compelling need" to conduct the SIR in such a short timeframe, arguing that it could lead to mass voter exclusion. He pointed out that many women in Bihar lack matriculation or educational certificates issued by recognised boards, which are among the 11 approved documents. Legal scope of ECI's powers debated Justice Bagchi highlighted that Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People (RP) Act grants the ECI some flexibility to conduct a special revision 'in such manner as it may think fit,' subject to limitations. He posed a question to the legal counsels on whether this provision gave the ECI 'residuary discretion' to introduce additions such as enumeration forms or extra documentation for the revision process. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, also appearing for the petitioners, countered that Section 21(3) 'cannot take away my right to adult suffrage under Article 326 at any cost,' nor the right to vote under Section 62 of the RP Act. 'This is a battle between a constitutional entitlement and a constitutional right,' Justice Bagchi remarked. Allegations of EC website changes after Rahul Gandhi's remarks Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), submitted that the ECI removed the searchable list of electoral rolls from its website after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the poll body of aiding 'vote theft' on August 4. 'The searchable list was available till August 4,' Bhushan told the court. The Bench also clarified that it would not take up matters related to the SIR in West Bengal, as the state Assembly elections are scheduled for 2026. 'Bengal can wait. Nothing is happening now,' the court said. The hearing is expected to continue on Thursday.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
People urged to support Rahul Gandhi in his fight against ECI
TPCC working president Jagga Reddy has urged the people of both Telugu States to support Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in his fight against the Election Commission of India over the 'vote chori' controversy. Speaking to the media at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday, Mr. Jagga Reddy slammed the BJP and ECI for 'discrepancies and fake votes', accusing the Election Commission of acting as a BJP-affiliated body rather than an autonomous constitutional body.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Implementation Of Sports Bill In 6 Months, Regulation Of International Participation Standard Safeguard: Mansukh Mandaviya
Last Updated: Discussing the challenges faced during the bill's consultative stage, Mansukh Mandaviya said he undertook extensive presentations to clear doubts with all stakeholders. The landmark National Sports Governance Bill, which smoothly passed through Parliament, will be implemented within the next six months. Preparatory work, including 'drafting of rules and identification of infrastructure," has already commenced, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told PTI on Wednesday. In his first interview following the bill's approval in both houses, Mandaviya defended the bill's provision granting the government discretionary power to 'impose reasonable restrictions" on international participation of Indian teams and individual athletes under 'extraordinary circumstances," calling it a 'standard safeguard." Mandaviya stated, 'This bill will be implemented as soon as possible. Within the next six months, all procedures will be completed to ensure 100 per cent implementation," in an exclusive interaction at his residence. With the bill's passing, India becomes the 21st country with a sports law. Implementation will require the establishment of a National Sports Board (NSB) to affiliate National Sports Federations (NSFs), a National Sports Tribunal (NST) for dispute resolution, and a National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) to oversee NSF elections. He emphasised the aim to ensure both institutions (NSB and NST) are fully functional as soon as possible, consistent with statutory and procedural requirements, reiterating that the bill represents 'the single biggest reform in sports since independence." The bill has garnered substantial support from NSFs and athletes. The initially skeptical Indian Olympic Association has also backed it after extensive discussions with the minister. With the bill's passing, the previously understood government authority on India's participation in international events has been formalised, particularly relevant when Pakistan is involved amidst high border tensions, as seen since this year's Pahalgam terror attack. Mandaviya clarified that the government discretion in the bill is not tailored to any specific country. Mandaviya elaborated, 'The provision empowering the government to stop international participation is a standard safeguard seen in sports laws globally, intended for use in extraordinary circumstances. It covers situations such as national security threats, diplomatic boycotts, or global emergencies, and is not directed against any particular country." He pointed out the absence of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as an example, with high-profile matches often moved to neutral venues. Decisions are made case-by-case in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs and security agencies. Mandaviya said, 'The Act formalises the government's ability to act decisively and lawfully in such situations while ensuring that any decision remains consistent with India's commitments under the Olympic Charter and the statutes of relevant international sporting bodies. This reflects the Modi government's clarity in protecting national interest while upholding global sporting obligations." Discussing the challenges faced during the bill's consultative stage, Mandaviya said he undertook extensive presentations to clear doubts with all stakeholders. 'The first major challenge was the fragmented legal landscape, with over 350 ongoing sports-related court cases that had stalled governance in many National Sports Federations. The second challenge was balancing the demand for autonomy, as required under the Olympic Charter and International Federation statutes, with the need for public accountability and transparency. The third challenge was addressing the wide variation in operational capacity, professionalism, and resources across different federations and state associations," Mandaviya explained. Consensus was achieved through more than 60 rounds of structured discussions, including plenary meetings, one-on-one engagements, and a Chintan-Shivir with stakeholders such as state sports ministers from across the country. 'I dedicated entire days to NSF representatives, athletes, and coaches. I gave presentations explaining each clause of the bill and sought their feedback rather than imposing my views. I consulted sports lawyers in the High Court and the Supreme Court, and considered all suggestions, including over 600 public submissions," he added. Mandaviya consulted former sports minister and Congress leader Ajai Maken, who drafted a sports bill in 2011 but couldn't advance it beyond cabinet consultation. Mandaviya recalled, 'In 2013, honourable Ajai Maken ji brought this bill to the cabinet but it couldn't be passed due to vested interests within NSFs, particularly those with political backgrounds, opposing governance scrutiny." Athletes specifically requested representation during interactions, particularly women athletes who questioned their absence despite their consistent performance. The bill ensures at least four women and two athletes of outstanding merit must be part of any NSF's Executive Committee, capped at 15 members. Mandaviya is confident the new law will positively transform India's sporting landscape. Next on the agenda is a medal strategy to position India among the top five global performers in the next two decades. 'In the coming days, we will introduce a sports medal strategy to create a roadmap for our goals over the next five years and beyond. Sports is a people's movement, and athletes are integral to society," he concluded. About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Mansukh Mandaviya National Sports Election Panel National Sports Federation National Sports Tribunal view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 13, 2025, 18:46 IST News sports Implementation Of Sports Bill In 6 Months, Regulation Of International Participation Standard Safeguard: Mansukh Mandaviya Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
