Recently a private school in Cuddalore approaches the Madras High Court challenging a show cause notice issued by the State education authorities after it allowed an RSS-linked camp on its premises during the Christmas holidays.

The bench of Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy has issued notice to the State and the education department, directing them to file a response. The case is scheduled for hearing on February 17.

Sri Saraswathi Vidyalaya filed a writ petition questioning the December 30, 2025 notice 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 non-students or non-staff from using school buildings or playgrounds for drills or training.

The school stated that it allowed use of its playground between December 24 and 30, 2025, during the Christmas vacation, when the school was closed. The camp, organised by Seva Bharathi—a wing of the RSS—had about 50 participants and was conducted in an orderly manner without disrupting academic activities. The school also claimed that local police visited on the first day, questioned the organisers, and pressured the school not to allow similar activities in the future.

The petition argued that RSS camps are neither religious nor political and that participants of all faiths join for discipline, character-building, patriotism, physical fitness, and yoga. It further stated that Rule 9(jj) applies only on school days, not during vacations, and the Tamil Nadu Recognised Private Schools Act, 1973, does not prohibit non-academic or religious activities on school premises.

Calling the notice “arbitrary, malicious and without jurisdiction,” the school alleged that similar circulars were issued across Tamil Nadu, threatening withdrawal of recognition and aid. The petition seeks quashing of the notice as unconstitutional.

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