The Supreme Court of India affirmed on Wednesday that the right to education is universal and should not be marred by discrimination, especially noting the plight of Rohingya children struggling to gain school admissions in India. This statement came during the proceedings of a public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by the NGO Rohingya Human Rights Initiative, which is pressing for equitable educational opportunities for Rohingya refugees without the mandatory need for Aadhaar cards or proof of citizenship.
Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh, presiding over the hearing, underscored the importance of educational access for all children, stating, “In terms of education, there will be no discrimination.” The NGO’s plea emphasizes the desperate situation faced by the Rohingya community, particularly the children who are currently out of the education system due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioners, highlighted the dire circumstances of the refugees, pointing out the lack of admission opportunities. The court responded by asking for detailed proofs of residence to better assess and facilitate the necessary relief measures but advised caution to protect the privacy of the minor children involved.
The court also took into consideration the identification documents provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which acknowledge the refugee status of the Rohingyas. The next steps involve a careful examination of these details to ensure that adequate and appropriate educational provisions can be arranged.
The case has been scheduled for a further hearing on February 28, following a sequence of legal discussions that previously saw the Delhi High Court decline a similar plea, suggesting that the matter be directed to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs instead.
