The Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, challenging the Uttar Pradesh Government’s decision to close 105 government-run primary schools.
A Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice A.G. Mash observed that since similar petitions were already pending before the Allahabad High Court, it was appropriate for the matter to be adjudicated there. At the request of Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for the petitioner along with Advocate Dr. Farrukh Khan, the Court directed the Allahabad High Court to hear the matter expeditiously.
The State Government, through orders dated June 16 and June 24, had directed closure of 105 schools citing negligible or zero enrollment, with students to be “paired” with nearby institutions in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The State defended the move as a rational restructuring exercise to optimize resources.
While the Supreme Court declined to interfere, it ensured the Allahabad High Court would take up the matter promptly. The legality of the closures, and their impact on children’s right to education, will now be examined by the High Court.