This article delves into the jurisprudential landscape of Article 19(1)(g) of
the Indian Constitution, particularly in the context of education as a
fundamental right. Through an analytical lens, it explores landmark judgments
such as Unni Krishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993) and P.A. Inamdar v.
State of Maharashtra (2005) to elucidate the evolving contours of the right to
education under Article 19(1)(g). By examining the judicial interpretations,
statutory provisions, and evolving legal standards, the article aims to provide
a comprehensive understanding of how the right to establish and administer
educational institutions fits within the framework of fundamental rights.
Introduction
Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to
"practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business." The
interpretation of this right has been significantly shaped by judicial
pronouncements, particularly in the context of education. This provision, while
ostensibly framing economic liberties, has been the subject of extensive
judicial scrutiny to ascertain the extent to which it encompasses educational
institutions' establishment and administration. The pivotal cases of Unni
Krishnan and P.A. Inamdar offer profound insights into this interpretation,
reflecting the dynamic interplay between constitutional guarantees and state
regulation.
The Constitutional Framework
Article 19(1)(g) is part of the chapter on Fundamental Rights, which enshrines
the liberty to engage in various professions and occupations. This liberty is
not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions as laid down in Article
19(6). This clause allows the State to impose restrictions in the interest of
the general public, which extends to the regulation of educational institutions.
Additionally, the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, introduces statutory
dimensions to this right, mandating free and compulsory education for children
aged 6 to 14. The RTE Act complements the constitutional provisions by
operationalizing the right to education, creating a framework for state
intervention and regulation.
Judicial Interpretations
Unni Krishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993)
In Unni Krishnan, the Supreme Court confronted the question of whether the right
to establish and administer educational institutions falls under Article
19(1)(g). The Court held that while Article 19(1)(g) does encompass the right to
establish and run educational institutions, this right is not absolute and is
subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the public.
The Court delineated that the right to establish and administer an educational
institution does not include the right to receive aid from the State or to run
such institutions in a manner that contravenes the regulations laid down by the
State. The Court also emphasized that the right to education itself is not
explicitly guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) but is derived from the broader
right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. This case underscored the
balance between individual rights and state regulation, recognizing the need for
state intervention to ensure educational standards and access.
P.A. Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra (2005)
The P.A. Inamdar case further elucidated the principles established in Unni
Krishnan. Here, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the right to establish and
administer educational institutions is a fundamental right under Article
19(1)(g). However, it held that this right is subject to reasonable regulations
by the State to ensure that institutions conform to minimum standards and do not
exploit students or indulge in commercialization.
The Court reiterated the principles of Unni Krishnan, emphasizing that while
private institutions have a right to autonomy, this right is tempered by the
need to ensure that educational institutions do not operate in a manner that
undermines public interest. The judgment reinforced the state's role in
regulating educational standards and ensuring equitable access to education,
while still respecting the autonomy of educational institutions.
Statutory and Regulatory Framework
The Right to Education Act, 2009
The RTE Act, 2009, is a seminal piece of legislation that operationalizes the
right to education. It mandates free and compulsory education for children
between the ages of 6 and 14 and establishes norms for the establishment and
functioning of educational institutions. The Act enshrines the principles of
accessibility, affordability, and quality, thereby setting a framework for the
regulation of private educational institutions.
The National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986
The NPE provides a broad framework for the development of education in India. It
emphasizes the need for state intervention to promote equitable access to
education and to regulate private institutions to prevent malpractices and
ensure adherence to educational standards.
The Education (Code of Conduct for Private Schools) Rules, 2010
These rules prescribe the conduct expected from private educational
institutions, including norms for admission, fee structures, and infrastructure.
They reflect the regulatory framework within which private institutions must
operate to ensure compliance with national educational standards.
Analysis and Interpretation
The jurisprudence surrounding Article 19(1)(g) reveals a nuanced balance between
individual rights and state regulation. The right to establish and administer
educational institutions, while recognized as a fundamental right, is subject to
reasonable restrictions aimed at ensuring public interest and educational
quality.
The judgments in Unni Krishnan and P.A. Inamdar reflect the judicial approach of
balancing institutional autonomy with regulatory oversight. The Supreme Court's
emphasis on reasonable regulation underscores the principle that while the right
to establish educational institutions is fundamental, it must align with broader
public policy objectives, such as ensuring educational quality and preventing
commercialization.
The statutory framework provided by the RTE Act and other regulatory measures
further complements this balance by operationalizing the right to education and
setting standards for private institutions. These laws ensure that educational
institutions operate within a framework that promotes equity, accessibility, and
quality, aligning with the constitutional mandate of safeguarding public
interest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right to establish and administer educational institutions
under Article 19(1)(g) is a fundamental right recognized by the Indian
Constitution, but it is subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by the State.
The judicial pronouncements in Unni Krishnan and P.A. Inamdar have delineated
the contours of this right, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that
respects institutional autonomy while ensuring adherence to public policy
objectives.
The statutory framework, including the RTE Act and regulatory measures,
reinforces this balance by providing a structured approach to the establishment
and operation of educational institutions. As India continues to evolve its
educational landscape, maintaining this balance will be crucial in ensuring that
the right to education is both protected and operationalized in a manner that
serves the broader public interest.
References:
- Unni Krishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1993 SC 2178
- P.A. Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra, (2005) 6 SCC 537
- The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
- National Policy on Education, 1986
- Education (Code of Conduct for Private Schools) Rules, 2010
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, AIR 1973 SC 1461
- Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka, AIR 1992 SC 1858
- T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka, (2002) 8 SCC 481
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