The Original Suit (O.S. No. 1 of 2025) filed by the State of Tamil Nadu was listed for hearing on 16 January 2025 before Hon’ble Justice Atul S. Chandurkar. Appearing for the Plaintiff State, Senior Advocate P. Wilson submitted before Honble Supreme court that despite the Court in November 2025 granting

[17/01, 07:32] Sekarreporter: The Original Suit (O.S. No. 1 of 2025) filed by the State of Tamil Nadu was listed for hearing on 16 January 2025 before Hon’ble Justice Atul S. Chandurkar. Appearing for the Plaintiff State, Senior Advocate P. Wilson submitted before Honble Supreme court that despite the Court in November 2025 granting eight weeks, the Union Government has failed to file its written statement. Relying on Order XXVIII Rule 8 of the Supreme Court Rules, he urged that the Court ought to proceed to pronounce orders in view of the Union’s default.

It was further contended that the Education Cess collected from taxpayers is specifically meant to fund schemes under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which flows from Article 21A of the Constitution. Mr Wilson submitted that a sum of ₹3,548.22 crore, legitimately due to Tamil Nadu, has been denied by the Union Government, and there is no justification for the same. Mr Wilson submitted that the Union government is withholding the lawfully entitled amount for the year 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 under the RTE Act. Mr Wilson submitted that withholding of funds has severely affected the implementation of educational schemes, impacting 43,94,906 students, 2,21,817 teachers, and 32,701 staff members across the State.

Counsel appearing for the Union Government sought an extension of six weeks to file the written statement. After hearing both sides, the Hon’ble Court granted four weeks as a final opportunity to the Union Government to file its written statement.

The suit has been instituted against the Union Government seeking release of funds due to the State of Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for the financial years 2023-2024 and 2024–25. It is specifically pleaded that the amount, although duly approved by the Project Approval Board, has not been disbursed, resulting in a complete disruption of the implementation of statutory obligations under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, within the State.
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