C. V. BHAGVANT RAO Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Devershi Thakur, learned counsel for the petitioner in WPPIL No. 22/2016, Mr. Rahul Ambast, learned counsel for the petitioner in WPC No. 2345/ 2022 and for respondent Nos.34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41 & 47 in WPPIL No. 22/2016, Ms.Sweeksha Sharma, learned counsel for the petitioners in WPC Nos. 3095/2025, 3106/2025, 3107/2025 and 3112/2025, Mr.Aman Tamrakar, learned counsel for the petitioner in WPC No.3567/2025, Mr. Tarendra Kumar Jha, learned counsel for the petitioners in WPC Nos. 3569/2025, 3570/2025, 3572/2025, 3573/2025 and 3574/2025 and for intervenors in WPPIL No.22/2016, Mr. Shrikant Kaushik, learned counsel for the petitioner in WPC No. 4588/2025, Mr. Manoj Paranjpe, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Mr. Sharad Mishra, learned counsel for the petitioner in WPC No. 414/2026, Mr. Vikash Tiwari, appearing in person for Intervenor and Ms.Vagisha Tiwari, learned counsel appearing for the Interveners. Also heard Mr. Prasun Kumar Bhaduri, learned Deputy Advocate General, appearing for the respondent/State, Ms.Annapurna Tiwari, learned Central Government Counsel for the respondent Union of India, Mr. C.R.Sahu, learned counsel for the respondent No. 32, Mr. Rishabh Gupta, learned counsel for the respondents No. 33 and 46, Mr. Shrejal Gupta holding brief of Mr. Vaibhav Shukla, learned counsel, appearing for respondent No.38, Mr. Abhishek Sinha, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Ms.Jasleen Gulati and Ms.Amisha Sinha, learned counsel appearing for respondent No.42, Mr. Anuroop Panda, learned counsel appearing for respondents No.48, 49 and 50 in WPPIL No.22/2016 and Mr.Sunil Otwani, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Mr.Deepak Sharma, learned counsel appearing for respondent No.51.

(2.) From a perusal of the affidavit, it transpires that the chart (Annexure D-10) pertaining to all the districts of Chhattisgarh clearly indicates that a total of 38,439 applications have been received across 6,861 schools.

(3.) It is further reflected that the total number of seats available under the RTE is 21,698. Out of the applications received, 2,045 are presently pending consideration, 7,066 applications have been rejected, and 25,550 applications have been duly approved.