Tamil Nadu Government Pulled To Madras High Court Over RTE Delay Amid Opposition To NEP Rollout

The Tamil Nadu government is facing a contempt petition in the Madras High Court for failing to begin admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for 2025–26, despite clear directions from the court.

The petition, filed by Marumalarchi Makkal Iyakkam president V Eswaran, cites the State’s continued inaction after the High Court’s 10 June order directing it to start the process and reimburse private schools, according to a report by The Hindu.

This comes amid Tamil Nadu's public opposition to the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP), accusing it of coercive tactics. In February, Chief Minister M K Stalin claimed the Union government withheld Rs 2,152 crore in education funds to pressure the State into implementing the NEP, The Economic Times reported. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, responding at the time, said the policy imposes no language, and supports Tamil and other Indian languages.

The High Court, in its order, said delay in Central funds should not be used as a reason to postpone a statutory obligation under the RTE. Eswaran stated that the prolonged closure of the RTE admission portal prompted the filing of contempt.

School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has announced the State’s plan to challenge the High Court order in the Supreme Court. Eswaran has filed a caveat to ensure he is heard before any decision is made.