Expelled over non-veg tiffin: Allahabad HC directs authorities to ensure admission of 3 children

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Amroha district magistrate to ensure the admission of three children, expelled from a private school over allegations of bringing non-vegetarian food in their tiffin, to another school within two weeks. The court also demanded a compliance affidavit ahead of the next hearing on January 6.

The directive came during a hearing of a petition filed by the children’s mother, who alleged that the school principal expelled her seven-year-old son and his siblings after objecting to their tiffin contents. The principal reportedly claimed that he would not teach students who bring non-vegetarian food and made communal remarks, including allegations that the boy had discussed converting others to Islam.

A widely circulated video had captured a confrontation between the mother and the principal, in which she denied the allegations and criticised the principal for inappropriate behaviour, including verbal abuse and locking her son in a room.

The incident sparked outrage online, prompting the district administration to establish a committee to investigate. The committee cleared the principal of wrongdoing but criticised him for using inappropriate language.

The petitioner argued that the children’s right to education had been violated by their expulsion. A bench comprising Justices Siddhartha and Subhash Chandra Sharma emphasised the importance of ensuring the children’s education, directing swift action from the district magistrate.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about educational equity and communal bias in schools, drawing attention to the rights of students in private educational institutions.