Mumbai: Bombay high court on Wednesday said 14 unauthorised schools in Malwani, Malad (W) can continue to impart education for the current academic session till March 31, 2027.“The students in all institutions are from class I to 4. Since they are of young age, we are not inclined to shift them or transfer them,’’ said Chief Justice M C Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna. However, they said if until March 31, 2027, the schools do not qualify for recognition, they will stop operating from the June 2027 session.HC was hearing a PIL by Nazir Khan, a private tutor, challenged action taken by BMC’s Education Department to close the 14 schools due to non-recognition under Right to Education Act without providing alternate remedy and ensuring effective continuity of education to the students in violation of Article 21A (Right to Education). His petition said an FIR was registered on June 18. Khan urged the schools be permitted to continue so that students’ academic year is not wasted.On Oct 29, HC sought details from BMC. The judges noted from 2017 notices were issued but “ground reality is students are receiving education.” “In the midst of the academic session, students should not be uprooted. This is the primary consideration,’’ the CJ said. The judges said shifting small kids will have also a “psychological effect” on them. To their query, BMC’s advocate Poornima Kantharia said students could be shifted to BMC schools. The judges then opined “it is better to wait up to March.”While indicating the schools may continue imparting education in the current academic session, they directed them to get permissions. Adjourning the hearing to Jan 15, they also directed BMC “to make all endeavours to ensure the institutions are recognised, if legally permissible, and they do not have to transfer the children.”
