By Muslim Mirror Staff
The Supreme Court of India has taken a stern stance on a shocking incident in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, where a seven-year-old child was subjected to repeated slaps by his classmates on the direction of their teacher. The court, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, has ordered the appointment of a senior IPS officer to oversee the investigation.
The incident, which came to public attention through a viral video earlier this year, has sparked outrage across the nation. In the video, the distressed child can be seen crying as his classmates take turns to slap him, following the teacher’s instructions. The court has described the incident as “serious and worrying” and deemed it a violation of the right to life.
The Supreme Court’s directives include the UP government’s obligation to provide professional counselling to the victim and the students involved in the incident. The court has adjourned the case until October 30 and has demanded a compliance report on the counselling process. Furthermore, the Uttar Pradesh government has been instructed to take responsibility for the education of the victim child.
The court also expressed deep reservations regarding the contents of the First Information Report (FIR), which did not include the allegations made by the child’s father. The father had asserted that his son was targeted due to his religion, a claim not reflected in the FIR. The Supreme Court underscored that this case involves not only education but also the importance of sensitive education, labelling it a failure on the part of the UP government to comply with the provisions of the Right to Education Act. The Act mandates the provision of quality, free, and compulsory education to children up to 14 years, without discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender.
The plea that led to this Supreme Court intervention was filed by Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who demanded an expeditious investigation into the case.
The Uttar Pradesh government has refuted claims that the communal aspect of the incident was exaggerated.
On September 6, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the UP government, seeking a report from the District Superintendent of Police regarding actions taken against the accused and measures to safeguard the child’s family.
The accused, a 60-year-old teacher and the principal of Neha Public School in Muzaffarnagar, Tripta Tyagi, initially expressed no remorse for her actions but later released a video message in which she acknowledged her mistake and requested forgiveness, denying any communal motive.
The incident has provoked condemnation from politicians across party lines, with many characterizing it as a hate crime and targeting the ruling BJP government in the state.
