Supreme Court's Ruling on Age Proof for West Bengal Students

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2026-01-19 13:46:39 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-07 05:48:00

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In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India has clarified the requirements for age proof documents for students in West Bengal, ensuring a fair and consistent process. The bench's ruling, delivered with a firm tone, emphasized the need for both an admit card and a pass certificate as valid age verification.

The court's statement comes as a response to a petition filed by a student who sought to use a WhatsApp message as proof of age. The student, appearing for the Secondary Examination, 2024, under the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, argued that a WhatsApp message from the school headmistress containing their date of birth should be accepted. However, the court firmly rejected this notion, stating, "There is no question of running everything through WhatsApp." This decisive remark sets a precedent, ensuring that digital messaging platforms are not considered valid sources for official documentation.

The bench further elaborated on the accepted forms of age proof, specifying that both the admit card and the pass certificate of the previous class are mandatory. This ruling provides clarity and uniformity in the age verification process, ensuring that students across the state adhere to the same standards. The court's decision is a crucial step towards maintaining the integrity of educational records and preventing potential misuse of digital communication as official documentation.

With this ruling, the Supreme Court has underscored the importance of adhering to established documentation procedures, especially in the education sector. It sends a clear message to students, parents, and educational institutions, emphasizing the need for proper record-keeping and the use of officially recognized documents. As the court continues to uphold the principles of fairness and transparency, this decision will likely shape future discussions and policies regarding age verification and the acceptance of digital communication as legal proof.

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