The Telangana High Court on October 14 took up a public interest litigation (PIL) urging strict implementation of laws that mandate Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in all educational institutions across the state.

Filed by Uppu Mallikarjun Patil, the petition contends that despite clear statutory provisions under the Telangana Education Act, 1982 and subsequent government orders, many schools — both government and private — have failed to form these mandatory bodies, eroding participatory governance and transparency in school management.

Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Vijay Gopal argued that Section 30 of the Telangana Education Act, 1982, along with GO Ms. No. 246 dated October 17, 1987, makes it compulsory for every educational institution to establish a PTA. He also pointed to GO Ms. No. 1, Education (PS.2), issued on January 1, 1994, which requires private and aided schools to constitute School Governing Bodies.

“The absence of these mechanisms denies parents a voice in decision-making and compromises accountability in school functioning,” the plea stated, arguing that such neglect undermines the Right to Education under Article 21A of the Constitution.

The state government sought time to obtain instructions from the Education Department. Granting the request, the Bench allowed six weeks for the state to respond and listed the matter for further hearing.