📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ginevrajocosa88
Politics
Tamil Nadu Government Withdraws Student Ban on Left Affiliates, CJI Protests
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 08:33 PM
👁 1
The Vijay-led Tamil Nadu administration has rescinded its order that barred students linked to Left parties, following a protest by the Chief Justice of India.
The state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Vijay announced the revocation of a previous directive that prohibited students associated with Left political groups from participating in certain academic activities. The order, which had drawn criticism from civil society and legal circles, was withdrawn after the Chief Justice of India expressed strong objections during a recent visit to the state.
According to official statements, the government reviewed the legal and constitutional concerns raised by the CJI and decided that the ban was untenable. No further details on the original order's scope or the specific institutions affected were released.
The move has been welcomed by student bodies and opposition parties, who view it as a restoration of democratic rights. The administration, however, indicated that it remains committed to maintaining campus order while respecting constitutional freedoms.
The Chief Justice of India, who was in Tamil Nadu for a judicial conference, said the ban infringed on the fundamental right to education and freedom of association. His remarks prompted the swift policy reversal.
The state’s education department is expected to issue new guidelines clarifying the status of students from political backgrounds, ensuring compliance with the court’s observations.
According to official statements, the government reviewed the legal and constitutional concerns raised by the CJI and decided that the ban was untenable. No further details on the original order's scope or the specific institutions affected were released.
The move has been welcomed by student bodies and opposition parties, who view it as a restoration of democratic rights. The administration, however, indicated that it remains committed to maintaining campus order while respecting constitutional freedoms.
The Chief Justice of India, who was in Tamil Nadu for a judicial conference, said the ban infringed on the fundamental right to education and freedom of association. His remarks prompted the swift policy reversal.
The state’s education department is expected to issue new guidelines clarifying the status of students from political backgrounds, ensuring compliance with the court’s observations.