New Delhi: In response to the distressing incident where a seven-year-old Muslim child was subjected to repeated slapping by classmates on the directives of their teacher at a private school in Muzaffarnagar, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken action.
During the hearing before a Bench led by Justice A.S. Oka, Uttar Pradesh Additional Advocate General Garima Prasad revealed that child rights protection agencies like Childline, Muskan, and HAQ have been engaged to provide counselling to the affected child. Childline, assisted by Muskan, will conduct counselling sessions, including involving the classmates of the boy, until April 24.
This development comes after the State faced criticism from the Supreme Court in January for its failure to initiate counselling for the victim and his peers promptly. The Court, emphasizing the importance of a safe educational environment, cited constitutional and statutory obligations, including Article 21A and the Right to Education Act.
In a stern rebuke, the Court labeled the slapping incident as a blatant violation of the child’s fundamental rights and underscored the State’s responsibility to prevent discrimination in classrooms.
Furthermore, the Bench scheduled a separate hearing on March 15 to address broader concerns regarding the implementation of the Right to Education Act in Uttar Pradesh. The State government has been directed to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing its efforts in this regard.
This incident is not an isolated one, as highlighted by petitioner Tushar Gandhi and his counsel Shadan Farasat, who pointed out the prevalence of corporal punishment in the Indian education system. The petition underscores the detrimental impact of such violence on marginalized communities and the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
As the case unfolds, it underscores broader issues of religious discrimination and quality of education in Uttar Pradesh, prompting introspection and calls for concrete measures to safeguard children’s rights and well-being in educational institutions.
