Delhi High Court Directs NGO to Approach Government Over Rohingya Student Admissions

The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the denial of school admissions to Rohingya refugee children due to lack of Aadhaar cards, advising the petitioner to present the issue to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The court emphasized it as a governmental matter with international implications.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday declined to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the refusal of school admissions to Rohingya refugee children from Myanmar due to their lack of Aadhaar cards. The court instructed the petitioner, an NGO, to take the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Presided over by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, the bench disposed of the petition, highlighting that the situation requires quick governmental intervention. They pointed out that legislative measures in places like Assam aim for expulsion, contrasting with facilitation elsewhere. The court emphasized the jurisdiction issue and advised seeking proper channels.

The petition filed by Social Jurist NGO alleges that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi unlawfully denies statutory education rights to Rohingya children. Arguing that this infringes on constitutional educational rights, the plea stresses it is the responsibility of authorities to ensure admissions regardless of documentation, recognizing fundamental human rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)