A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging restrictive orders imposed by the governments of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh concerning entry into government schools. The petition targets regulations that limit access for outsiders, including journalists, social media users, and activists, and impose curbs on photography, videography, and audio recording within school premises.
The Chenab Times has learned that the PIL, brought forth by Priya Mishra, argues that these restrictions infringe upon fundamental constitutional rights. The petition was mentioned before a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on August 25, with advocate Narendra Mishra highlighting the potential for First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals documenting deficiencies in government schools.
The CJP’s ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign, which aims to expose infrastructural shortcomings in government schools, including those pertinent to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, is cited as a backdrop for the legal challenge. The petitioner contends that the orders issued by authorities in both states, if left unchallenged, could stifle efforts to bring public attention to issues plaguing educational institutions.
At the heart of the petition are claims that the restrictions violate several key articles of the Constitution. These include Article 14 (right to equality), Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression), Article 19(1)(g) (freedom to practice any profession or occupation), Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), and Article 21-A (right to free and compulsory education). The petitioner asserts that the blanket restrictions imposed by the state governments are not only arbitrary but also disproportionate to any legitimate state interest.
The petitioner specifically seeks the annulment of a circular issued by the Director of Secondary Education in Rajasthan on August 16, 2026. This circular mandates prior permission from the Principal for any outsider to enter government school premises, and a separate written permission for any form of recording, including photography, videography, interviews, audio recording, and live-streaming. Similarly, the PIL challenges an order dated August 19 from the District Basic Education Officers of Ayodhya, Azamgarh, Ballia, Basti, Balrampur, Shamli, and Agra in Uttar Pradesh. This order directs outsiders, YouTubers, and social media users to avoid entering schools or conducting any form of recording without explicit permission from the competent authority.
The petition draws a distinction between documenting the physical condition of schools and recording identifiable children. It argues that while regulations aimed at protecting minors are essential, they should not serve as a pretext to obstruct public-interest documentation of critical school infrastructure. This includes aspects such as classrooms, building integrity, sanitation facilities, access to drinking water, electricity supply, and the provision of mid-day meals. The petitioner maintains that transparency in the functioning and condition of public schools is vital for ensuring accountability and driving necessary improvements.
During the mention of the matter before the Supreme Court bench, the petitioner’s counsel pressed for an urgent hearing. The Chief Justice of India responded with a non-committal, “We will see,” indicating that the court would consider the request for listing the case.
This legal challenge underscores a growing tension between the need for transparency in public institutions and the concerns authorities may have regarding privacy, security, and potential misuse of information. The outcome of the PIL could set a significant precedent regarding the rights of citizens and media to document and report on the state of public facilities across India, particularly in educational establishments.
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