SC declines to hear plea challenging curbs on entry to government schools amid CJP campaign

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a public interest litigation challenging orders by the Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan governments restricting the entry into public schools of outsiders, journalists, YouTubers and civil society representatives, Live Law reported.

The Bharatiya Janata Party government in both states had also mandated that permission must be taken for photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and livestreaming inside schools.

The orders had come against the backdrop of a nationwide drive of the Cockroach Janta Party political campaign to improve the condition of government schools. The campaign has been sharing videos of schools on social media recorded by its volunteers in several states.

The Rajasthan government had issued the order on August 16. In Uttar Pradesh, the basic education officer in Ayodhya issued a similar order on August 19.

The authorities in other districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Azamgarh, Ballia, Basti, Balrampur, Shamli and Agra, followed suit, Live Law quoted the petition as stating.

The petitioner argued that the restrictions violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The three articles protect the rights to equality, freedom and life and personal liberty.

The petition also contended that the freedom of speech and expression includes legitimate journalism and dissemination of information concerning public institutions, while recognising the state’s obligation to protect children’s privacy,...

Read more