The Chhattisgarh High Court at Bilaspur, in a sharp order on Wednesday, expressed dissatisfaction with the State Government's handling of unrecognised nursery and pre- primary schools operating across the state. The bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal made it clear that compliance with court directions cannot be treated casually, particularly when it concerns young children's education.
Background
The matter stemmed from a batch of petitions, including Chhattisgarh Private School vs State of Chhattisgarh, where the legality of play schools running without recognition had been challenged. The controversy dates back to a government circular issued on 5 January 2013, which required recognition of pre- primary institutions. Despite this, hundreds of such schools continued to function without approval.
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On 13 August 2025, the court had directed the Secretary of the Department of School Education to file a personal affidavit detailing what action had been taken against these unrecognised institutions. Instead of the Secretary, however, the Joint Secretary submitted an affidavit citing the Secretary's absence due to official duties.
Court's Observations
The bench was far from pleased with this explanation. ''We are not at all satisfied with the explanation offered,'' the judges observed, cautioning the State that in future any request for exemption from compliance must come through a proper application.
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The affidavit filed did reveal some developments. District Education Officers were asked on 16 September 2025 to collect detailed information from all play schools within 15 days. A committee of seven members has also been formed to draft new rules in line with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the guidelines of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
But the court pointedly noted that the affidavit remained silent on the core issue- what action has been taken so far against schools running illegally since 2013.
Decision
Taking a firm stand, the High Court directed the Secretary, Department of School Education, to personally file an affidavit ''in clear and categorical terms'' detailing both the steps already taken and the future roadmap for action against unrecognised nursery schools.
The bench also issued a stern warning on irregular admissions based on forged income certificates. While acknowledging that some fraudulent admissions had been cancelled, the court directed authorities to ensure strict verification at the entry stage itself.
''In the event of any such irregularity being noticed in future, strict action shall be taken not only against the beneficiaries but also against the officials responsible, '' the order stated.
The matter will now be taken up for further monitoring on 17 October 2025.
Case Tittle : Chhattisgarh Private School vs State of Chhattisgarh
