Rajasthan High Court Orders Student Admission Even with Incomplete Session Caused by Covid-19 Delays.
The Rajasthan High Court has ordered that a student be admitted to Shri School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, even though the student did not complete a full academic year in 3rd standard, which is a requirement in the school’s admission rules. The student missed the entire academic year in 3rd standard because the 2021-22 school year started late due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur noted that the rule about passing 3rd, 4th, and 5th standards after finishing a full academic year should be viewed more flexibly because of the unusual situation caused by the pandemic.
The Court stated, “This Court believes that clause 4.4 should be interpreted in a flexible manner. Given the current situation, the petitioner deserves this benefit, especially since he has completed a full academic year in both IV and V standards. Thus, the reason for denying admission in the letter dated 05.09.2024 is seen as arbitrary and unreasonable.” The Court acknowledged that the pandemic was a worldwide health emergency that caused major disruptions, including delays in the school calendar. It added, “The global health crisis, along with the closure of schools and delays in admissions, clearly represents a case of force majeure. These uncontrollable circumstances stopped the petitioner from attending a full academic year in III standard.”
As a result, the Court granted the petition, directing the school to admit the student and allow them to attend classes without any further delay.
Cause Title: Devendra Prajapat v. Union of India & Ors., [2024:RJ-JD:49301]
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocate Naresh Singh
Respondent: Advocates Rajendra Katariya, Rajesh Choudhary
