Bengaluru, June 11 -- The Karnataka High Court has put on hold the state government's decision to extend free education benefits for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) framework beyond Class 8.

The order comes after the Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS) challenged a circular issued by the School Education Department on May 21, 2026. The circular had permitted SC and ST students admitted under the RTE quota to continue their education free of cost in Classes 9 and 10.

Justice Ashok S Kinagi, who heard the petition, issued an interim stay on the circular, effectively suspending its implementation until further orders. The ruling is being vi...