The Delhi High Court disposed of a writ petition filed by a minor candidate seeking participation in the Sainik School admission counselling process, after noting that the authorities had reopened the registration window as a one-time measure.
The petition was filed by a candidate who had appeared in the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2026 and secured 266 out of 300 marks but was unable to register on the counselling portal within the stipulated time. It was contended that the counselling schedule commenced prior to declaration of results, leading to lack of awareness and consequent exclusion from the process.
During the hearing, the Sainik Schools Society informed the Court that the registration window on the AISSAC portal would be reopened from March 30, 2026 to April 1, 2026, to facilitate candidates who could not complete the process earlier.
The Court noted that the decision of the respondent was fair, neutral, and in line with a child-centric approach, while also clarifying that the relaxation was a one-time measure and would not create any future rights or precedents.
Accepting this position, the Court granted liberty to the petitioner to register within the extended window, subject to applicable rules. In view of the relief granted by the authorities, the petition was rendered infructuous and accordingly disposed of.
The Court also directed that the undertaking of the respondent, as communicated through email and placed on record, shall be binding.
Appearances:
For the Petitioner: Mr. Anurag, Ms. Sonal Gupta, Mr. Divyansh Kumar, Advs.
For the Respondent: Mr. Chetan Sharma, ASG Ms. Avshreya Pratap Singh Rudy, CGSC with Mr. Abhishek Mahajan, SPC with Mr. Amit Gupta, SPC with Mr. Ankit Khatri, Ms. Usha Jamnal, Ms. Nyasa Sharma, Advs. for R1
Mr. Akshit Mohan, Adv. and Government Pleader for Union of India
Mr. Sanjay Khanna, SC with Ms. Pragya Bhushan, Ms. Vilakshana Dayma, Ms. Anshu Kumari, Mr. Saurabh Pandey Advs. for R2/NTA
