The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought an explanation from the Delhi government over allegations that lakhs of students enrolled in its schools have yet to receive textbooks, despite earlier court rulings mandating their timely supply.
Court Issues Notice on Contempt Plea
Justice Sachin Datta issued a notice on a contempt plea filed by Social Jurist, an NGO, alleging non-compliance with earlier court directions. The court pulled up the Delhi government's education directorate over the alleged lapse affecting children and questioned the delay in distribution of books.
The government counsel assured the court that textbooks would be supplied to all students before the start of the summer vacation in the second week of May, so that they have the study material at hand before the beginning of the July session. Recording the submission, the High Court said the authorities are bound by the assurance and directed that a status report be filed to this effect, posting the matter for September 30.
Petitioner's Arguments
Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Ashok Agarwal submitted that despite undertakings given before the court, students of classes I to VIII have not received their textbooks even after the start of the 2026-27 academic session, impacting their studies. The contempt plea alleges wilful disobedience of earlier directions by the High Court in a public interest litigation concerning the supply of textbooks to nearly 10 lakh students studying in these classes.
According to the contempt petition, action is required against the Delhi government's education secretary, as despite assurances recorded in April 2024 and directions issued in July that year mandating the timely procurement and distribution of books and learning materials, the students have been left without textbooks weeks into the academic session that began on April 1, affecting their right to education.
Impact on Students
The petitioner argued that the delay has disrupted foundational learning and widened disparities between government and private school students. It is further contended that the students are being forced to rely on outdated or shared materials, undermining their rights under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and Article 21-A of the Constitution.
The court's notice underscores the seriousness of the issue, as the delay in textbook distribution not only hampers academic progress but also violates constitutional guarantees. The matter will be heard next on September 30, with the government required to submit a status report on the distribution progress.
