The Indian Constitution carefully balances the rights of citizens with corresponding duties. This balance is evident in the relationship between Article 21A and Article 51A. Article 21A guarantees the right to education for children aged six to fourteen, while Article 51A(k) imposes a duty on parents to ensure their children exercise this right. This legal framework underscores the importance of education as both a fundamental right and a parental responsibility.

Article 21A: The Right to Education
Article 21A, added by the 86th Amendment in 2002, mandates that the state provide free and compulsory education to children within the specified age group. This article elevates education to a fundamental right, essential for personal and national development. The state is thus constitutionally bound to ensure every child has access to educational opportunities.

Article 51A: The Duty of Parents

Article 51A, introduced by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, lists the fundamental duties of citizens. Article 51A(k) specifically requires parents or guardians to ensure their children receive education as mandated by Article 21A. This legal duty is crucial in actualizing the right to education, emphasizing that while children may choose whether to study, parents are legally obligated to provide them with educational opportunities.

Legal Interpretation and Implications:

The judiciary has reinforced the connection between these articles, ensuring that the right to education under Article 21A is supported by the parental duty under Article 51A(k). Courts have consistently held that the realization of this right depends on parents fulfilling their legal obligations, regardless of a child's reluctance to study. This ensures that the constitutional promise of education is not undermined.

Unni Krishnan, J.P. v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993)

is a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India that played a crucial role in shaping the right to education as a fundamental right. Right to Education as a Fundamental Right: The Supreme Court recognized education as a fundamental right derived from Article 21. It stated that without education, the right to life would be meaningless, as education is essential for the full development of an individual's personality and potential.

Obligations of the State:
The judgment placed a duty on the state to provide educational facilities at all levels, especially at the primary level. The Court emphasized that the state must ensure that every child has access to free and compulsory education up to a certain age.Impact on Legislation: The Unni Krishnan judgment laid the foundation for the 86th Amendment to the Constitution in 2002, which introduced Article 21A, making free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged six to fourteen years.