On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India ruled that private unaided schools must admit students from weaker and disadvantaged sections once their names are forwarded by the state, reinforcing the Right to Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act). The court emphasized that denying admission undermines children's fundamental right to education under Article 21A of the Constitution. The ruling arose from a case involving a private school in Lucknow that refused admission to a girl child despite her name being on the state’s list. The court stated that schools cannot exercise discretion over admissions once the state has completed its process. The judgment highlights the importance of the 25% quota for underprivileged students in promoting equality and integration in education. It identifies multiple parties responsible for ensuring educational access and stresses the judiciary's role in protecting these rights. The court concluded that effective implementation of the RTE Act is crucial for transforming social structures and ensuring equal opportunities for all children.