JUDGMENT :

Jyotsna Rewal Dua, J.

Petitioner is a minor, aged about 10 years and has filed this writ petition through her natural guardian i.e. mother. Petitioner primarily seeks a direction to the respondents, in particular, respondents No. 1, 5 and 7, to allow her admission in Class VI in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kothipura, District Bilaspur, H.P.-Respondent No.5 or in the alternative in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, District Hamirpur- respondent No.7.

Respondent No.5-Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kothipura, District Bilaspur, H.P., vide its communication dated 07.05.2024 had declined to grant admission to the petitioner on the ground that petitioner did not study in Class V from any school located in District Bilaspur, therefore, in terms of the admission policy of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, petitioner was not eligible for admission to Class VI in respondent No.5-Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bilaspur.

2. Following facts are not in dispute.

2(i) Petitioner is a bonafide Hamachali and permanent resident of Village Muchhwan, Post Office Karloti, Tehsil Ghumarwin, District Bilaspur.

2(ii) Petitioner belongs to Other Backward Classes Category. Her family is also included in the Below Pover