India

There should be no bias against Rohingya kids’ education: SC

February 12, 2025

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that there should be “no discrimination” against children of Rohingya immigrants “in terms of education”. A bench comprising justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh observed that when it comes to educating children, no discrimination should be observed against the children of Rohingya immigrants who are finding it difficult to get admission to schools.

The observation was made during the resumed hearing of a PIL filed by NGO Rohingya Human Rights Initiative, seeking directions to ensure that school admission and government benefits are given to Rohingya refugees without any insistence on Aadhaar cards and irrespective of their citizenship status.

The counsel for the petitioner contended refugees are facing a desperate situation since their children are unable to get admissions. SC sought details showing proof of where they reside to examine what relief could be extended. SC made it clear that it is advisable not to disclose personal details of minors.

The bench sought details of parents and their address. “Let us not expose any child. Show us registration numbers, etc which will enable us to do something. We will see what can be done,” it observed. The counsel for the petitioner organisation replied that Rohingyas hold cards issued by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees that recognise their refugee status.

The court indicated that it would look into how it can extend relief once details confirming the residence of the refugees are submitted.