3 Things Doubts over RTE exemptions, Mehul Choksi, and pan India SIR
Sep 12, 2025
Joining the conversation are Vineet Bhalla and Deeptiman Tiwary from The Indian Express. Vineet discusses the Supreme Court's reevaluation of a Right to Education exemption for minority institutions, raising concerns about educational access. Deeptiman dives into the dramatic saga of fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, detailing his arrest in Belgium and India's efforts for extradition. Lastly, they explore the implications of a nationwide Special Intensive Revision plan by the Election Commission, aiming to improve electoral processes across India.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Exemption From RTE Is Now In Doubt
- A 2014 constitution bench exempted minority schools from most RTI norms citing autonomy concerns about the 25% EWS admission rule.
- A recent two-judge bench found that broad exemption legally questionable and referred it for reconsideration by a larger bench.
Minority Tag May Be Misused
- The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights found minority institutions enrolled only 8.76% disadvantaged students and 62.5% non-minority students.
- This suggests many schools may be using 'minority' status to evade RTE obligations rather than serve minorities.
Prepare For A Long Legal Review
- Expect the legal status to remain unchanged while the Chief Justice decides on a larger bench referral.
- Prepare for a lengthy reconsideration process that could take a year or more before laws change.