Ensure Appropriate System Of Counselling, Career Guidance Programmes In Schools To Assist Students: HC Tells Delhi Government

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government to ensure that there is an appropriate system of counselling in schools to assist students.

The Court noted that if students are made aware of admission policies of different universities, it will help them in making an informed decision regarding their subject choices.

The bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula directed thus "Respondent authorities, who supervise education imparted to students, must step-in to ensure that there is appropriate system of counselling in schools, career guidance programmes/ career fairs, to assist students. If students are made aware of admission policies of different universities, it could only help them in making an informed decision regarding their subject choices."

The Court has directed the Delhi Government to examine this issue in consultation with experts in the field.

"...the present petition is disposed of with a direction to GNCTD/ DoE to examine this issue in consultation with experts in the field and in case, any lacunae is required to be filled-in, they may do so by issuing appropriate directions to schools.", the Court said.

In this case, a boy was unsuccessful in securing admission in colleges at Delhi University.

He attributed this failure to improper or lack of career guidance by the School.

His accusation is that when he opted for Mass Media Studies and Physical Education in Class XI and XII, he was not cautioned that these subjects are not considered as "Main" subjects by DU and are instead treated as "Elective" attracting penalty of 2.5% deduction of marks from aggregate marks for the purpose of selection in colleges of DU.

The petitioner had sought action against the school. A prayer was also made for adequate compensation to the boy and other students for the alleged prejudice caused to them.

Advocate Aayush Agarwala appeared for the petitioner whereas Advocate Himanshu Chaubey appeared for the Respondent-School. Advocate Unmukt Gera appeared for Delhi Government.

The Court noted that the petitioner opted for the subjects voluntarily and in consultation with his parents.

"…there is no basis for the Court to hold that the choice exercised by Petitioner was not voluntarily or was exercised under persuasion. There is also no reason for the Court to hold that the School should have disapproved or opposed the option because of its likely impact in admission prospects to DU. Petitioner's contention is farfetched and exhibits a very orthodox approach towards education centred around scoring marks.", the Court held.

The Court also noted that no foundation or legal right was demonstrated before the Court to issue any directions to DU qua admission procedure followed by them for intake of students under the erstwhile admission regime.

However, before parting with the Order, the Court emphasized that career guidance to students in Class XI and XII is crucial and directed the government to do the needful.

Cause Title- Shishram v. Bal Bhavan International School & Ors.

Click here to read/download the Order