On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for filing an 'inadequate' affidavit during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation highlighting the state's lack of special educators for teaching students with special needs.

According to the petitioners, no adequate and effective compliance with previous Court orders has been taken by other states as well.

In 2021, a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court issued a series of directives in the matter, including directing the Central Government to notify the norms and standards of pupil-teacher ratio for special schools, initiating the appointment process for filling vacancies for rehabilitation professionals/special teachers, and more.

During the hearing, advocates for teachers from various states argued that in many states, there is no parity between regular teachers and teachers for children with special needs. Another issue raised by advocates is the teachers' long-term employment.

The Bench then directed the Counsel for the states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Kerala to properly advise their respective departments and file additional affidavits. The matter will be brought up again in the second week of December.

Case Title: Rajneesh Kumar Pandey And Ors. Versus Union Of India And Ors

Citation: W.P.(C) No. 132/2016 X

Link: https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2016/6641/6641_2016_7_4_39946_Order_24-Nov-2022.pdf