The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the Chandigarh administration to conduct a detailed audit of its public schools, marking a significant shift in accountability regarding compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009. This decision follows a prolonged 14-year legal battle initiated by a public interest litigation filed in 2012, which highlighted critical issues such as chronic teacher shortages and inadequate school infrastructure. The court has mandated the secretary of the school education department to submit a comprehensive affidavit by July 29, detailing which government schools do not meet the required infrastructure and staffing standards. Official disclosures revealed that 565 teaching positions remain unfilled, and while 772 appointment letters were issued in the past year, the administration is still relying on temporary measures, including sourcing teachers on deputation. Additionally, the court has requested proof of active oversight by statutory bodies like School Management Committees and the State Advisory Council, emphasizing the need for genuine accountability in the education system.