The Supreme Court has taken a strong stance against the Uttar Pradesh government, reprimanding them for their handling of a case involving a woman teacher accused of encouraging her students to slap a Muslim classmate and making communal remarks at a private school in Muzaffarnagar. The apex court has not only directed the state to appoint a senior IPS officer to investigate the case but has also sought a comprehensive report on the implementation of the Right To Education (RTE) Act in the state.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal termed the incident as “serious” and insisted on proper counseling for the victim child and the students involved in the incident.
Key Details:
- The accused teacher allegedly incited her students to slap a Muslim classmate and made communal remarks at a private school in Muzaffarnagar.
- The Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to assign a senior IPS officer to investigate the case and submit a report to the court.
- The state government was also instructed to provide counseling to the victim child and the other students involved, with the assistance of professional counselors.
- The court raised concerns about the state’s compliance with the RTE Act, which ensures quality, free, and compulsory education to children up to 14 years without discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender.
- A status report on the implementation of the RTE Act in schools across Uttar Pradesh is expected to be submitted within four weeks.
Background:
This development came in response to a plea filed by Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who sought a swift investigation into the case. Earlier, on September 6, the Supreme Court had directed the Muzaffarnagar superintendent of police to provide a status report on the case and measures taken to protect the student and his parents. The court had also issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, requiring a response by September 25.
The Muzaffarnagar Police had registered a case against the teacher for allegedly making communal comments and instructing her students to slap a Muslim classmate over incomplete homework. The state education department also served a notice to the school in connection with the matter.
Summary:
- The Supreme Court has criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for their handling of a case involving a teacher’s alleged encouragement of students to slap a Muslim classmate and make communal remarks.
- The court ordered the appointment of a senior IPS officer to investigate the case and demanded counseling for the victim child and other students involved.
- Concerns were raised about the state’s compliance with the Right To Education Act, prompting a request for a status report on its implementation within four weeks.