The Madras High Court on Monday, 13 July 2026, allowed an All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) functionary to withdraw a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the involvement of school and college students in political activities, after the Tamil Nadu government confirmed it had already issued a circular banning such programmes in schools. The PIL was formally dismissed as withdrawn, bringing the proceedings to a close.

Key Developments in Court

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan recorded the state's submission that a circular dated 10 July 2026 had been issued directing that political programmes be prohibited in schools. With the government having already acted, the petitioner sought and received permission to withdraw the case.

The Bench also flagged a procedural concern — noting that similar petitions raising the same issue were already pending before the High Court — and questioned the need for multiple proceedings on an identical subject.

What the Government Said

Advocate General Vijay Narayan informed the court that the state had taken concrete steps to ensure educational institutions remain free from political influence. The 10 July circular, he submitted, specifically prohibits political events on school premises, effectively addressing the core grievance raised in the PIL.

What the Petition Alleged

The PIL had been filed by V.P.B. Paramasivam, State Secretary of the AIADMK's Ilaingar Matrum Ilampengal Pasarai wing from Dindigul district. He alleged that students were being drawn into political rallies, slogan-raising, flag-bearing, and propaganda activities organised by political parties and their functionaries — diverting children from academic pursuits.

The petition specifically alleged that students attending certain events were encouraged or compelled to raise slogans including 'Vijay Anna' and 'Vijay Mama'. The petitioner contended that such practices violated children's constitutional rights, particularly under Articles 21A and 39(f) of the Constitution, which protect the right to education and the welfare of children respectively.

Reliefs Sought and Prior Representations

Before withdrawing, the petitioner had sought a range of judicial directions: prohibiting the use of students for political purposes, initiating disciplinary action against those responsible, framing comprehensive state-wide guidelines, and establishing a monitoring and grievance redressal mechanism.

The petitioner also informed the court that he had submitted a representation to the Union Ministry of Education on 30 June 2026, seeking an inquiry into the reported incidents. However, with the state's preventive circular already in place, he opted to withdraw the PIL rather than press for further judicial intervention.

What Happens Next

The Tamil Nadu government's 10 July circular now stands as the operative directive governing political activities in schools. Whether the circular will be uniformly enforced across the state — and whether the pending similar petitions before the High Court will proceed independently — remains to be seen. Civil society groups and opposition parties are likely to monitor implementation closely.