New Delhi, Agency
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a PIL challenging restrictions on the entry of outsiders, journalists, YouTubers, social media users and civil society representatives into government schools in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The plea also challenged curbs on photography, videography, interviews, audio recording, and livestreaming.
A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe declined to entertain the plea filed by Priya Mishra, observing, "We are not inclined to entertain the writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India."
The petition was filed against the backdrop of the "School Thik Karo" campaign, which seeks to highlight deficiencies in government school infrastructure. It challenged Rajasthan's August 16 circular requiring outsiders to obtain prior permission to enter government schools and to conduct photography, videography, interviews and livestreaming.
In Uttar Pradesh, it challenged an August 19 Ayodhya order barring outsiders, YouTubers and social-media users from entering council schools or taking photographs and videos without permission. Similar directions were issued in several other districts.
The petitioner argued that the restrictions violate fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, 21 and 21-A, while acknowledging the State's duty to protect children's privacy, dignity and safety.
