New Delhi, August 23: The Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge against the circulars issued by the Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh governments, which restrict external access and videography in government schools.
Attorney Narendra Mishra has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the annulment of these circulars. The petition names the central government and all states as respondents. It argues that these directives violate fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g), 21, and 21-A of the Constitution, which guarantee equality, freedom of expression, and the right to life.
The circulars prohibit entry for external individuals, including journalists, YouTubers, social media representatives, and civil society members, into government schools. They also ban photography, videography, interviews, audio recordings, and live streaming.
On August 16, the Rajasthan Education Department issued new guidelines to regulate the entry of external individuals, including media personnel, into government schools. According to these guidelines, prior permission from the principal or head of the institution is required for any photography, videography, interviews, audio recordings, or live streaming related to students or school activities.
As per the directive from Secondary Education Director Lalit Kumar, no external person will be allowed to enter school premises without prior consent from the principal or authorized school officials. All visitors must register their entry in a visitor log.
The orders specify that external individuals are not permitted in classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, playgrounds, restrooms, or any other areas where student activities are taking place, unless accompanied by the principal, a teacher, or another authorized school official.
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