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Article 21AFundamental Rights1 case
Right to Education
Constitutional 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.
Plain-English Explanation
Article 21A makes the right to education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years. It requires the state to provide free and compulsory education. Added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment in 2002, this article reflects the understanding that education is essential for the meaningful exercise of other rights.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka
1992The Supreme Court held that the right to education is a fundamental right under Article 21.
Impact: Paved the way for the constitutional amendment that added Article 21A, recognizing education as a fundamental right.