Supreme Court Halts Board Exams for Lower Classes in Karnataka

In a significant move, the Supreme Court has stayed the Karnataka High Court order allowing board examinations for Classes 5, 8, 9, and 11 in schools affiliated with the State Board. The apex court directed the state to withhold the communication or circulation of exam results to students or parents. It accused the state of causing confusion among parents and children, emphasizing that the push for board exams was contrary to the Right to Education Act. The court remarked on the “agony and hardship” inflicted on students, parents, teachers, and school managements due to the state’s actions.

Notably, the proposed board exams were deemed prima facie inconsistent with key sections of the Right to Education Act, which safeguard children from board exam rigors until completing elementary education. The court’s intervention comes after petitions challenging the validity of state notifications mandating board exams were filed by various associations representing private schools. The case has been listed for further hearing on April 23, with notices issued to the State of Karnataka.