Allahabad High Court grants relief to three boys expelled from school over non-veg tiffin

The Allahabad High Court recently granted interim relief to three children who were expelled from a private school in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha after they allegedly brought non-vegetarian tiffin to school for lunch..A Bench of Justice Siddharth and Justice Subhash Chandra Sharma directed the Amroha District Magistrate (DM) to ensure that the three children are admitted to another CBSE-affiliated school within two weeks. Failure to comply will require the DM to appear in person at the next hearing on January 6, the Court added."The respondent no. 10 District Magistrate, Amroha is directed to get the petitioner nos. 2, 3 and 4 namely Master Rihan Khan (Minor), Master Shahbaz Khan (Minor) and Master Shami Khan (Minor) sons of Shri Siraj Khan in some other school affiliated to C.B.S.E. Board within a period of two weeks and file an affidavit of compliance before this Court. Put up this case as fresh case on 06.01.2025 before this Court. In case no affidavit is filed by District Magistrate, Amroha, he shall be personally present on the next date," the Court directed..The school principal expelled the student studying in class 3 and two of his siblings, one studying in kindergarten and another in class 1. The boy from class 3 was reportedly labeled a religious fundamentalist and was accused of planning to destroy temples. The principal also questioned the boy's upbringing, accusing him of telling his classmates he would convert them to Islam by making them eat non-vegetarian food..A video of the interaction between the boy's mother and the school principal went viral, prompting official authorities to form a committee to investigate the matter. The committee later exonerated the principal but reprimanded him for using inappropriate language.Thereafter, the mother along with her three children approached the High Court, claiming that the school’s conduct had violated their right to education. While the mother alleged that her child was beaten by the principal and confined to an empty room, the principal denied these accusations..The plea contended that disruption of the children's education and socialization will have long-term effects on their academic growth, future career, financial progress and personal development.They sought directions to the State to arrange for the students' admission of to nearby alternative school so that they can resume their education. They also sought appropriate action against the school principal, for harassment, abuse and discrimination against the children and also prayed for compensation.Advocate Omar Zamin appeared for the petitioner.The Court will hear the matter next on January 6, 2025. .[Read Order]