Take action against dummy schools: Delhi HC to govt, CBSE

Delhi High Court orders action against "dummy" schools allowing students to write exams without attending classes.

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the state government and the CBSE to take action against "dummy" schools that allegedly facilitate students to write exams without attending classes.

A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela called it a "fraud" and said such schools allowing students to only attend coaching classes and appear in exams based on "absolutely false information" couldn't be permitted.

"It has been noticed that students do not attend classes in schools; rather spend time in coaching centres. However they are allowed to take examinations by education boards where they are required to put in requisite minimum attendance. We therefore direct the state government and CBSE to conduct inspection in this regard," it ordered.

The bench took note of such schools being used to extend benefit of Delhi domicile to students from other states and sought an affidavit from the Delhi government and CBSE on action taken against such schools.

The court passed the direction on a PIL.

During the hearing, the Delhi government counsel said there was no concept of a "dummy" school and claimed the issue of "fake admissions" was being exaggerated and "mis-characterised".

He submitted schools were mandated to follow their affiliation rules, failing which appropriate action was taken against them, and there was no complaint regarding any "dummy" school with the authorities.