The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Puducherry territorial administration to notify the rules under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act as expeditiously as possible, preferably within three months.

The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice M.Y.Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, passed the order while disposing of a public interest litigation petition seeking a direction to the Union Territory of Puducherry, represented by its Education Secretary, to finalise and notify the rules for effective implementation of the legislation.

In his petition, P. Joseph Victor Raj, Puducherry convener, Campaign Against Child Labour - Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, said there were certain “revolutionary provisions” in the legislation. In particular, Section 4 made provision for completion of elementary education by children who had never been admitted or who had dropped out.

Section 11 mandated that for early childhood care and education of all children, the government should provide free pre-school education for children between three and six years of age.

The Act contained a provision about the powers of the government to make rules for implementing the legislation. The Centre had framed the rules and notified them. Similarly, 13 States, including Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Punjab and Haryana had notified the rules.

In September last year, Puducherry framed the draft rules and invited suggestions. Several suggestions had been given.