The Associated Management of Government Recognized English Medium Schools in Karnataka (KAMS), the Minority Institutions Committee of School Associations (MICSA), along with other school representatives have approached the High Court of Karnataka challenging the State Government’s recent order directing schools to extend the benefits of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE) under Section 12(1)(c) to Classes IX and X to some students.

The challenge follows a recent decision by the state government to continue RTE benefits for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students beyond Class VIII. The policy, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the State Budget on March 6, provides that SC/ST students who studied in Class VIII during the 2025–26 academic year under the RTE quota may continue their education in Classes IX and X in the same institutions under the scheme.

The petitioners contend that the RTE Act, as enacted by Parliament, guarantees free and compulsory education only up to elementary education and for children up to the age of 14 years. They argue that any extension of the scheme beyond the statutory framework cannot be implemented through executive instructions and would require appropriate legislative amendments and statutory authorization.

When the matter came up for hearing, the High Court of Karnataka issued notice to the State Government and other respondents. After hearing the petitioners’ submissions, the Court granted interim protection, subject to further orders, and directed the respondents to place their stand on record.

According to KAMS, MICSA, and the other petitioners, the impugned action raises significant legal, administrative, and financial concerns. These include the absence of statutory provisions for reimbursement to private schools, non-disclosure of the actual per-child expenditure for secondary education, and the potential impact on educational institutions and students where admissions have already been finalized under the existing legal framework.

Welcoming the Court’s intervention, the petitioners stated that the proceedings are essential to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that any policy affecting thousands of schools, students, and parents is implemented strictly in accordance with statutory provisions and established legislative processes. “The associations further reiterated their commitment to protecting the interests of students while emphasizing that any expansion of educational entitlements must be supported by proper legal authority, adequate financial mechanisms, and a transparent policy framework,” they said in a statement.

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