Delhi High Court Issues Contempt Notice Over Textbook Supply Lapse

The Delhi High Court has issued a contempt notice to the Delhi Government for failing to supply textbooks on time to government school students, affecting nearly 10 lakh children. The case, alleging violation of a prior court directive, will be revisited on September 30.

The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, issued a contempt notice against the Delhi Government, responding to a petition by Social Jurist. The petition claims non-compliance with previous court orders to ensure timely textbook distribution to government school students, affecting lakhs of children.

During the proceedings, Justice Sachin Datta questioned the government's delay, while the Standing Counsel assured that all students would receive textbooks before the summer break. A status report and response were requested, with a follow-up hearing set for September 30.

Advocate Ashok Agarwal, representing the petitioner, highlighted that students from Classes I to VIII remain without textbooks despite previous assurances. The plea accuses the government of willfully disobeying court directives under a public interest litigation. The issue exacerbates educational disparities, as affected students struggle to prepare for the ongoing academic year.