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Education
West Bengal Bans Teachers from Political Activities, Triggers Legal Challenge
✍️ Urban Acres
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 06:41 PM
👁 12
The state government’s prohibition on teachers’ participation in politics has been met with protests and court petitions from teachers’ unions, who claim it violates constitutional freedoms.
The West Bengal education department announced a ban that bars school and college teachers from engaging in any political activity, citing the need to keep classrooms free from partisan influence.
Teachers’ unions across the state have condemned the order, arguing that it infringes on fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of speech and association.
In response, several unions have filed petitions in the Calcutta High Court, seeking a stay on the ban and demanding that the government withdraw the directive.
Legal experts note that the case could set a precedent for how public sector employees’ political rights are balanced against administrative objectives, making the outcome significant for education policy nationwide.
Teachers’ unions across the state have condemned the order, arguing that it infringes on fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of speech and association.
In response, several unions have filed petitions in the Calcutta High Court, seeking a stay on the ban and demanding that the government withdraw the directive.
Legal experts note that the case could set a precedent for how public sector employees’ political rights are balanced against administrative objectives, making the outcome significant for education policy nationwide.