The restrictions imposed by state administrations on the entry of media personnel and outsiders inside government educational institutions have now reached the highest court of the land. The circulars issued by the governments of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, which placed strict bans on videography, photography, and the movement of external visitors within schools, have been formally challenged in the Supreme Court. A petition filed by advocate Narendra Mishra urges the apex court to strike down these directives entirely.
Grounds for Challenge and Constitutional Provisions
The petition names the central government as well as all state administrations as parties to the case. The legal challenge argues that the orders issued by the state authorities directly violate multiple provisions guaranteed under the Constitution of India. Specifically, the petition highlights breaches of Article 14 concerning equality, Article 19(1)(a) regarding freedom of speech and expression, Article 19(1)(g) pertaining to the freedom of trade and profession, Article 21 protecting personal liberty, and Article 21-A concerning the right to education.
Scope of the Restrictions Imposed
These controversial circulars were designed to restrict the entry of outsiders, professional journalists, YouTubers, social media creators, and representatives of civil society into government-run schools. Furthermore, the guidelines effectively blocked any attempts at capturing photographs, filming videos, conducting interviews with students or staff, recording audio, or running live streams without prior bureaucratic clearance.
Details of the Rajasthan Education Department Guidelines
On August 16, the Rajasthan education department had promulgated a fresh set of guidelines aimed at regulating the presence of external individuals, including media workers, within school premises. According to the directives issued by Director of Secondary Education Lalit Kumar, any photography, videography, interviews, audio recordings, or live broadcasts concerning students or school activities require prior formal permission from the head of the institution or the school principal.
Mandatory Visitor Logs and Classroom Restrictions
The order stipulated that no outsider is permitted to enter school grounds without the explicit prior authorization of the principal or designated school officials. Every single visitor is mandated to make an entry in the designated visitor register before stepping onto the campus. Additionally, outsiders remain strictly barred from entering classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, sports grounds, restrooms, or any other zones where student activities take place, unless accompanied by a teacher, principal, or authorized school representative.
