NHRC issues notice to UP govt over beating of student in Muzaffarnagar school

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken significant action in response to a distressing incident that unfolded at a private school in Khubbapur village, Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. In a shocking episode that came to light, a student was reportedly subjected to a beating orchestrated by his classmates under the instruction of a teacher, who referenced the student's faith in a ludicrous manner.

The incident, which took place during a mathematics class, allegedly occurred as a consequence of the student's error in multiplying tables. The teacher's order for his classmates to administer a beating came after her reference to the student's faith in a manner deemed absurd. This incident was captured on video, which subsequently went viral on August 25, 2023, triggering widespread outrage and demands for action against the teacher and the school.

The victim's family has vehemently protested against the unjust treatment meted out to their child. The NHRC has recognised that if the allegations outlined in the media report are accurate, they signify a grave violation of the victim's human rights. As a result, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, urging them to provide a comprehensive report within four weeks.

The report is expected to encompass details about the actions taken against the teacher, the status of any registered First Information Report (FIR) concerning the matter, compensation provided to the affected family, and measures taken or planned to prevent the recurrence of such shameful incidents in the future.

Despite the gravity of the incident, as of August 28, 2023, the teacher responsible for the incident, who also happens to be the owner of the school, is yet to be arrested. Furthermore, it has come to light that the school itself fails to meet the criteria established by the Education Department.

Distraught by the incident, the victim's family has already withdrawn him from the school and is actively searching for an alternative educational institution that prioritizes the safety and dignity of its students. The NHRC's intervention underscores the critical need for swift and just action to address the incident and ensure that the rights of every individual, regardless of their faith, are respected and protected within educational institutions.