Chennai, July 13 (IANS) The Madras High Court on Monday allowed an AIADMK functionary to withdraw a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to prevent the involvement of school and college students in political activities, after the Tamil Nadu government informed the court that it had already issued a circular prohibiting political programmes in schools.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan recorded the state’s submission that a circular dated July 10 had been issued directing that political programmes be prohibited in schools. In light of the government’s stand, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the case, which the Bench accepted, dismissing the PIL as withdrawn.
During the hearing, Advocate General Vijay Narayan informed the court that the state had already taken steps to ensure that educational institutions remain free from political activities. The Bench also noted that similar petitions raising the same issue were already pending before the High Court and questioned the need for multiple petitions on an identical subject.
The petition had been filed by AIADMK Ilaingar Matrum Ilampengal Pasarai State Secretary V.P.B. Paramasivam of Dindigul district. He alleged that school and college students were being drawn into political programmes organised by political parties and their functionaries, diverting them from academic pursuits.
According to the plea, students were allegedly being made to participate in political propaganda, slogan-raising, rallies, flag-bearing and other activities that had no connection with education. The petitioner contended that such practices violated the constitutional rights of children, particularly the guarantees under Articles 21A and 39(f), which seek to protect children’s education and welfare.
The petition further alleged that students attending certain events were encouraged or compelled to raise political slogans, including “Vijay Anna” and “Vijay Mama”, and argued that educational institutions should remain politically neutral.
Seeking judicial intervention, the petitioner had requested the court to direct the state to prohibit the use of students and educational institutions for political activities, initiate disciplinary action against those responsible, frame comprehensive state-wide guidelines, establish a monitoring and grievance redressal mechanism, and safeguard the constitutional and statutory rights of students.
The petitioner also informed the court that he had submitted a representation to the Union Ministry of Education on June 30, 2026, seeking an inquiry into the reported incidents and requesting appropriate action. However, with the state informing the court that preventive measures had already been implemented, the petitioner chose to withdraw the PIL, bringing the proceedings to a close.
–IANS
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