Authority: High Court of Judicature at Bombay (Civil Appellate Jurisdiction)

Order Date: 14 October 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: St. Anthony's High School & Junior College & Anr.
  • Respondents: State of Maharashtra & Ors., including Zilla Parishad, Palghar (Respondent No.4) and other State officials (Respondents Nos.1,2,3,5).
  • Nature of petition: Writ petition seeking reimbursement of fees paid for students admitted under the 25% quota mandated by the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act).
  • Prior reference: Court considered its earlier order dated 5 August 2026 in City International School, Kothrud Vs. State of Maharashtra, where similar relief was granted.
  • Counsel appearances: Sai Rajendra Kadam for petitioners; N.C. Walimbe (AGP) for respondents Nos.1‑3 & 5; no appearance from Respondent No.4 despite service notice dated 7 Oct 2026.

Final Outcome

1. The petitioners must submit a fresh communication in the prescribed format, annexing all supporting documents for the reimbursement claim, on or before 21 Oct 2026.

2. Upon receipt, Zilla Parishad, Palghar shall, on or before 28 Oct 2026, call upon the petitioners to comply with any remaining requisitions, which the petitioners must satisfy by 4 Nov 2026.

3. Zilla Parishad shall forward its recommendations regarding the petitioners’ proposal to the State respondents (Nos.1‑3 & 5) by 18 Nov 2026.

4. The State respondents shall determine eligibility and the quantum of reimbursement due, and communicate their decision by 6 Jan 2027 (seven weeks after receiving recommendations).

5. The admissible amount shall be released by the State respondents to Zilla Parishad within two weeks of the determination, i.e., by 20 Jan 2027.

6. Zilla Parishad shall then release the amount to St. Anthony's High School & Junior College within one week of receipt, i.e., by 27 Jan 2027.

7. If the petitioners are found not entitled to any reimbursement, a reasoned order shall be passed, and the petitioners may seek further redress as per law.

8. All timelines are to be strictly adhered to; no order as to costs.

9. The writ petition is placed for compliance on 27 Jan 2027. If directions remain unfulfilled, the concerned officers of the State respondents and the Education Officer (Primary) of Zilla Parishad, Palghar shall appear in court to explain non‑compliance.

Topics: RTE Reimbursement, Education Funding, Court Order