Delhi HC Reaffirms Education as a Fundamental Right: Aadhaar Not Mandatory for EWS Admissions

The judgment aligns with the spirit of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in the K.S. Puttaswamy case, which established that while Aadhaar can be used for the delivery of subsidies and benefits, it cannot be made mandatory for services that are fundamental rights. Education, being a fundamental right under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution, falls squarely within this protection. The High Court emphasized that the state's duty is to facilitate education, not to create roadblocks through rigid documentation requirements. Furthermore, the court noted that other valid documents, such as birth certificates or income certificates, should suffice for the purpose of identification and eligibility verification. This move is expected to streamline the admission process for thousands of children in the national capital and serves as a judicial reminder to educational institutions and state authorities to prioritize inclusivity and the substantive spirit of welfare legislation over technicalities. UPSC Relevance: This ruling is a vital case study for questions on the 'Right to Education' and the 'Digital Divide' in GS Paper II. It illustrates the judicial interpretation of Article 21A and the balance between administrative efficiency (via Aadhaar) and the protection of fundamental rights for vulnerable sections.