Supreme Court Rejects Petition Challenging Admission Restrictions in UP-Rajasthan Schools

The Supreme Court refused to hear a public interest petition challenging the restrictions on entry of outsiders, journalists, YouTubers, and social media users in government schools of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Details of Restrictions

Under a circular issued by the Director of Secondary Education, Rajasthan on August 16, 2026, prior permission from the principal is mandatory for outsiders to enter government schools. It also mandates written permission for photography, interviews, audio recording, and live streaming. Similarly, the Basic Education Officer of Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, issued an order on August 19 prohibiting entry and recording in council schools without approval from the competent authority.

Arguments of the Petition

The petition filed under the 'School Theek Karo' campaign of Kokroch Janata Party stated that while restrictions are necessary for children's safety, they should not hinder public interest documentation of classrooms, buildings, toilets, drinking water, electricity, mid-day meals, and other basic facilities. The petitioner argued that recording identifiable children and documenting the physical condition of schools are distinct. They stated that freedom of expression under fundamental rights includes responsible journalism and dissemination of information about public institutions.

Supreme Court's Stance

A bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe refused to admit the petition. The petitioner had sought cancellation of the orders from both states and directions to ensure that regulations on public interest documentation meet the tests of reasonableness, necessity, and proportionality.

We are not inclined to consider the writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India

Justice PS Narasimha, Supreme Court Judge

We are not inclined to consider the writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India

Justice Alok Aradhe, Supreme Court Judge