Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Against Rajasthan & UP Orders Restricting Entry Of Outsiders, YouTubers & Media In Govt Schools

Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Against Rajasthan & UP Orders Restricting Entry Of Outsiders, YouTubers & Media In Govt Schools

Summary:

The Supreme Court on 31/08/26 refused to entertain a PIL filed by Priya Mishra challenging circulars issued by education authorities in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh that restrict entry of outsiders, journalists, YouTubers, social media users and civil-society members into government schools.

The petition challenged an August 16, 2026 circular of Rajasthan's Director of Secondary Education and an August 19, 2026 order of the District Basic Education Officer, Ayodhya (UP), and similar orders in Azamgarh, Ballia, Basti, Balrampur, Shamli and Agra. The orders require prior permission from the principal/competent authority for entry and for photography, videography, interviews, audio recording and livestreaming.

A bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe observed, "We are not inclined to entertain the writ petition filed under Article 32."

The PIL was filed in the backdrop of the “School Thik Karo” campaign by the Cockroach Janat Party to expose deficiencies in govt school infrastructure.

Petitioner's Arguments:

 •  The blanket ban violates Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g), 21 and 21-A.

 •  Freedom of speech includes legitimate journalism on public institutions.

 •  While child privacy and safety must be protected, there is a difference between recording identifiable children and documenting physical infrastructure like classrooms, toilets, drinking water, electricity and mid-day meals.

 •  Restrictions should satisfy tests of reasonableness, necessity and proportionality.

Prayer: To quash the impugned orders to the extent they impose blanket restrictions on public-interest documentation.

Case Details: Priya Mishra v Union of India & Ors. | W.P.(C) No. 1095/2026