SC: Minority-run schools exempt from RTE Act

The Supreme Court in its verdict on Thursday said that the Right to Education Act 2009 will not be applicable to schools run by minority communities and schools which are not aided by the Government.

Reacting to the order the Archbishop of Bhopal, Leo Cornelio said that those students who have already taken admission as per the RTE Act will be continued.

Since the time of the Act came into existence, Isai Mahasangh and Catholic Council of Bishops had objected to its misuse by the State Government. The decision by the Supreme Court and the Archbishop has been welcomed by the Isai Mahasangh.

Isai Mahasangh coordinator Fr Anand Muttungal said, "The Christian community was never against the RTE Act; we objected to its misuse.

The Church will continue to provide educational services to the poor and marginalised. The case in this regard pending in the High Court of Jabalpur since 2011 will also be withdrawn." The Supreme Court order strictly says that constitutional rights provided to minority-run educational institutions will be protected in the case of TMA Pai Foundation vs Karnataka Government. In the case of Inamdar vs Maharashtra Government, the SC has already ordered that there will no interference in minority-run institutions by the State Government.