School moves Madras High Court after State objects to RSS camp on campus

A private nursery and primary school in Cuddalore district on Tuesday approached the Madras High Court challenging a show cause notice issued by the State education authorities after it allowed an Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-linked camp to be conducted on its premises during school holidays. [Sri Saraswati Vidyalaya v. State of Tamil Nadu]

Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy issued notice to the State and the education department, directing them to file a response. The case will now come up for hearing on February 17.

Sri Saraswathi Vidyalaya filed a writ petition questioning the legality of the show cause notice dated December 30, 2025 issued by the Directorate of School Education (Private Schools). The notice alleges violation of Rule 9(jj) of the Tamil Nadu Recognised Private Schools (Regulation) Rules, 1974, which bars the use of school buildings and playgrounds for conducting drills or training by persons who are not students or members of the staff.

According to the petition, the school permitted use of its playground between December 24 and 30, 2025 during the Christmas vacation, when the institution was not functioning. The premises was later used for a camp organised by Seva Bharathi, stated to be a wing of the RSS.

The school has claimed that around 50 participants attended the camp, which was conducted in a disciplined manner without any disruption to academic activities. It has further alleged that local police officials visited the premises on the first day of the camp, questioned the organisers and pressured the school not to permit similar activities in the future.

Assailing the notice, the petitioner has contended that RSS activities and camps are neither religious nor political in nature. It has been contended that persons of all faiths participate in such camps, which focus on discipline, character-building, patriotism, physical fitness and activities such as yoga.

The petition further contends that Rule 9(jj) of the 1974 Rules applies only on days when a school is functioning and cannot be invoked during vacation periods. It has also been argued that the Tamil Nadu Recognised Private Schools (Regulation) Act, 1973 does not prohibit the conduct of religious or non-academic meetings in private school premises.

Terming the show cause notice “arbitrary, malicious and without jurisdiction,” the petitioner has alleged that the circular was issued across Tamil Nadu and threatens withdrawal of recognition and aid. The school has sought quashing of the notice as unconstitutional and beyond the powers of the education authorities.

The school was represented by Advocates G Babu, Nelson, J Rajesh and Rekamai.