11-07-2025
HC upholds govt order to merge primary, upper primary schools again
The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court again upheld the decision of the Uttar Pradesh government's school merger initiative for primary and upper primary schools.
The high court has dismissed a similar petition in July 7 challenging the merger move.
The division bench of Justices AR Masoodi and Shriprakash Singh on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Jyoti Rajput, a lawyer.
The PIL challenged the government order issued on June 16, 2025, regarding the consolidation of schools, and demanded transportation facilities for children living in remote areas.
Representing the government, Additional Advocate General Anuj Kudesia and Chief Standing Counsel Shailendra Kumar Singh argued that a single bench had already delivered a detailed verdict on the issue on July 7, while hearing a petition related to 51 children from Sitapur. Based on this, the division bench found the PIL non-maintainable and dismissed it.
On July 7, the single bench of Justice Pankaj Bhatia had dismissed all related petitions, stating that the government's step did not violate Article 21A of the Constitution. On the contrary, it aimed to provide children with quality education and equal opportunities, it added. The court observed that resources in small schools were scattered, depriving children of access to adequate teaching staff, libraries, sports, and digital learning facilities. The government submitted that schools with fewer than 50 students or no students at all were being merged with nearby institutions.
