MP High Court Issues Notice On PIL For Appointment Of Special Needs Teachers In Private Schools Across Jabalpur
While hearing a PIL seeking appointment of special educators for special needs children in private schools across Jabalpur, the Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notice to Centre and State authorities and has granted time to file a reply.
The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf observed, “Issue notice. Notice is accepted by learned counsel appearing for respondent no.1 and also by learned counsel appearing for respondent nos.2 to 4. Learned counsel for the respondents pray for time to file the reply.”
A public interest litigation petition was filed on account of the omission in the implementation of mandatory provisions of various legislations such as Right to Person with Disabilities Act, Right of Children to free and Compulsory Education Act, wherein need of special educators for special children along with infrastructure is made mandatory in school under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan Scheme of the Government of India.
As per the plea, there exists an eminent need for special educators for special children along-with requisite infrastructure and trained personnels. The petitioner submitted that even the prestigious schools of Jabalpur city lacked basic infrastructure and special educators which is a necessity for the education of special children in normal school settings.
The plea alleges that schools of Madhya-Pradesh have not incorporated mandatory rules as formulated by the Government by various acts for special children. Thus, as per the petitioner, there is an immediate need for implementation of mandatory provisions of various enactments pertaining to the right to children with disability i.e. facilities for special children by way of appointment of Special Educators in every school of Jabalpur, to provide adequate infrastructure necessary for the incorporation of children with disabilities in regular school settings
Therefore, the petitioner prayed before the Court to direct the respondents to ensure strict compliance of laws relating to disabled children and to ensure that special educators are appointed in every private school of Jabalpur city.
On June 17, respondent authorities prayed for time to file a reply.
The matter is listed for further hearing on July 22.
Case Title: Saurabh Subbiah Vs Union Of India And Others, Writ Petition No. 16753 of 2025
Counsel for Petitioner: Advocate Shivendra Pandey
Counsel for Respondent/Union of India: Advocate Shrikrishna Sharma
Counsel for Respondent/State: Advocate S. S. Chouhan