Right to higher education cannot be restricted without compelling reasons, rules Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has held that the right to pursue higher education cannot be curtailed lightly and any restriction on access must meet a high threshold of justification, underlining the constitutional value attached to education.

The court made these observations while examining a petition related to admission to a higher education programme, where the petitioner had challenged the denial of enrolment on procedural grounds. Emphasising that higher education plays a decisive role in shaping an individual’s future, the court said that administrative or technical considerations cannot override a student’s legitimate right to continue studies unless there are compelling and well-reasoned grounds.

The bench noted that education is not merely a privilege but an essential means for personal development and social mobility. Any decision that has the effect of depriving a student of higher education must therefore satisfy the tests of fairness, proportionality, and reasonableness. Authorities, the court said, are expected to act with sensitivity while dealing with student admissions and academic progression.

The court also observed that universities and examining bodies must adopt a balanced approach while enforcing rules, ensuring that regulations do not become instruments of exclusion. While compliance with academic norms is necessary, such norms should not be applied mechanically when they result in severe consequences for students.

Reiterating the broader public interest involved in promoting access to education, the court stressed that higher education contributes not only to individual growth but also to national development. Decisions that affect a student’s academic future must therefore reflect this larger constitutional and social perspective.

The petition was disposed of with directions consistent with these principles, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance that access to higher education deserves strong protection and careful consideration.