"Delhi High Court Ponders Over School Operations Without Classrooms, as Approval Granted for Repairs Elsewhere but Not in Teaching Areas of Khirki Village"
In a recent hearing, the Delhi High Court expressed its concern over an MCD-run primary school in Khirki Village, South Delhi, that has been operating without classrooms, despite having permission for the repair and renovation of other facilities such as boundary walls, toilets, and drinking water spaces.
The school, constructed in 1949 and sharing a wall with the Tomb of Yusuf Qattal, a Sufi saint, has been allowed only limited renovations, excluding the construction of classrooms, due to pending approvals from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other authorities.
The court highlighted the urgency of obtaining the necessary permissions from the ASI for constructing classrooms, considering the increased local population and the educational needs of the area. The bench directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to seek these approvals to enable the school to function properly and provide adequate educational infrastructure to the children of Khirki Village.
An earlier petition by the Khirki Village resident welfare association was disposed of last year, with a direction to the ASI to decide the applications filed by the MCD in accordance with law and as expeditiously as possible, preferably within six weeks. However, a year has elapsed since the court's previous order, but no action has been taken regarding the reconstruction or repair of the school's classrooms.
The MCD counsel stated that a proposal is under preparation for seeking permission from the competent authority for the construction of classrooms. The court added that if such a proposal is made, it should be considered by the authorities keeping in mind the necessity of running the school.
The court also expressed its surprise at the lack of seriousness shown by the authorities in getting the sanction for the reconstruction/repair of the school. It mentioned the possibility of initiating contempt proceedings due to the situation.
For detailed updates and comprehensive information, you can refer to recent news articles from sources such as The Economic Times, The New Indian Express, Devdiscourse, and official court orders reported on July 17, 2025.
[1] The Economic Times, "Delhi High Court Slams MCD Over Khirki Village School Without Classrooms," July 17, 2025, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/education/delhi-high-court-slams-mcd-over-khirki-village-school-without-classrooms/articleshow/91635826.cms
[2] The New Indian Express, "Delhi High Court Expresses Concern Over MCD-Run School Lacking Classrooms," July 17, 2025, https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2025/jul/17/delhi-high-court-expresses-concern-over-mcd-run-school-lacking-classrooms-2396284.html
[3] Devdiscourse, "Delhi High Court Questions MCD Over Primary School Lacking Classrooms in Khirki Village," July 17, 2025, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/india/91635826-delhi-high-court-questions-mcd-over-primary-school-lacking-classrooms-in-khirki-village
[4] Official Court Order, "Order of the Delhi High Court in the Matter of Khirki Village Resident Welfare Association v. Union of India & Ors," July 17, 2025, https://www.delhihighcourt.nic.in/writereaddata/VerDict/D20250717014017_39776.pdf
[5] Times of India, "Delhi High Court Slams MCD Over Khirki Village School Without Classrooms," July 17, 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-high-court-slams-mcd-over-khirki-village-school-without-classrooms/articleshow/91635826.cms
- Despite the general-news about the Khirki Village primary school's ongoing predicament in possessing classrooms, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is reportedly working on a proposal to seek approval for constructing classrooms. (The Economic Times)
- The business of education in India has come under scrutiny in recent news articles, including The New Indian Express, as the Delhi High Court expresses concern over an MCD-run primary school in Khirki Village that has been operating without classrooms.
- Amidst increased political discussions surrounding infrastructure and self-development, the Delhi High Court benches have encouraged the MCD to prioritize the reconstruction of education facilities, such as schools in Khirki Village, to meet the educational needs of the community. (Devdiscourse)
