Article 21A: Constitution of India 

Article 21A: Constitution of India 

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Article 21A: Right to Education

⚖️ Bare Act Text

“The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine.”

📜 Footnotes (Amendment & Source Notes)

1. Inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act (w.e.f. 01-04-2010).
2. Enforced through the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act).

🧾 Simple Explanation

Article 21A makes education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.
It requires the State to:

• Provide free education
• Ensure compulsory schooling
• Establish proper educational infrastructure

📌 Key Features

• Applies to children (6–14 years)
• Enforceable as a Fundamental Right
• Supported by the RTE Act, 2009
• Focuses on universal elementary education

⚖️ Important Case Laws

1. Unni Krishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh

• Recognized Right to Education under Article 21 before insertion of 21A

2. Society for Unaided Private Schools v. Union of India

• Upheld validity of RTE Act
• Confirmed 25% reservation for weaker sections

3. Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka

• Declared education essential for dignified life

🧠 Illustrations

• Denial of admission to a 7-year-old → ❌ Violation
• Charging fees in government school → ❌ Violation
• Lack of nearby school → ❌ Violation

📚 Practical Notes

• Derived from Article 21 (Right to Life)
• Linked with Directive Principle under Article 45
• Important for judiciary, UPSC, and law exams
• Private institutions also have obligations under RTE

❓ FAQs

Q. Does Article 21A apply to adults?
❌ No — only children aged 6–14

Q. Is education completely free?
✔️ Yes, at elementary level in State institutions

Q. Is this right enforceable?
✔️ Yes — it is a Fundamental Right

💬 Comments / Legal Insight

Article 21A marks a shift from directive obligation to enforceable right, ensuring that education becomes a tool for social transformation and equality.

Article 21A: Constitution of India 

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