The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notice on a public interest litigation highlighting the "alarming and deteriorating" condition of school education in the State, including alleged vacancy of 40% sanctioned teacher posts.

The division bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi observed:

"Heard on the question of admission. Issue notice to the respondents. Dr. Amit Bhatia, learned Government Advocate accepts notice on behalf of the respondents / State and prays for two weeks time to file reply. Prayer is allowed. List the matter in the week commencing 17.08.2026".

The PIL, relying on the CAG report of 2026, argued that nearly 40% of the sanctioned teaching posts in the State are lying vacant in gross violation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The petition further stated that thousands of school structures are either dilapidated or non-functioning. It is argued that the State has the duty to fill all sanctioned posts to ensure every child receives quality education.

The petition also stated that lakhs of children are dropping out of the school system, reflecting its failure. These underlying issues are depriving the children of their right to education guaranteed under Article 21A of the Constitution, it added.

Thus, the petition sought the following reliefs, including filling vacant teaching posts within a time-bound framework, ensuring the availability of functional and safe school infrastructure, providing basic amenities in schools, implementing the provisions of the RTE Act in letter and spirit, and taking effective measures to prevent dropouts.

Case Title: BL Jain v Secretary, WP-15127-2026

For Petitioner: Advocate Abhishek Tugnawat

For State: Government Advocate Amit Bhatia

Click here to read/download the Order