The Rajasthan High Court recently ruled in favor of Nisha Meena, allowing her to appear in the Diploma in Elementary Education examinations despite an ongoing dispute over her marital status. The case, Nisha Meena vs. State of Rajasthan & Others, revolved around her admission under the ST (Widow) category and the contested validity of her claim as the widow of late Lokesh Kumar Meena.
Background of the Case
Nisha Meena had sought admission in the Diploma in Elementary Education course under the ST (Widow) category, claiming to be the widow of Lokesh Kumar Meena. Her admission was initially granted, but the respondents threatened to cancel it, leading her to approach the High Court. The court had earlier passed an interim order on October 21, 2024, permitting her to continue her studies while restraining the respondents from canceling her admission.
However, the dispute arose when respondent No. 8, Khushbu Meena, contested Nisha’s claim. Khushbu argued that Nisha and Lokesh Kumar Meena had undergone a social divorce in March 2021, and Lokesh had subsequently married Khushbu in May 2023. Khushbu, now a widow after Lokesh’s death in May 2024, asserted that Nisha was not entitled to benefits under the ST (Widow) category.
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The court acknowledged the disputed facts regarding Nisha’s marital status but emphasized that such matters could not be resolved under its writ jurisdiction. Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand noted:
"Disputed questions of fact about the petitioner’s status-whether she is the widow or divorced wife of the deceased-cannot be adjudicated in this proceeding. The parties must approach the appropriate forum for a declaration of their status."
Despite the unresolved dispute, the court ruled in Nisha’s favor, considering she had already completed her studies under the protection of the interim order. The respondents were directed to allow her to appear in the examinations commencing on August 18, 2025.
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Key Takeaways
- The court allowed Nisha Meena to appear for her exams but clarified that the order did not validate her claim as a widow.
- Both parties were granted liberty to seek legal recourse to resolve the marital status dispute.
- The judgment highlights the judiciary’s role in balancing interim relief with unresolved factual disputes.
The case underscores the complexities of legal claims involving marital status and the court’s cautious approach in granting relief without prejudicing pending disputes.
Case Title: Nisha Meena vs. State of Rajasthan & Others
Case No.: S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 16392/2024
