The court’s decision now leaves Tyagi facing the possibility of imprisonment unless she follows the court’s instructions
Team Clarion
MUZAFFARNAGAR – In a widely condemned incident from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Tripta Tyagi, the principal of Neha Public School, who is accused of instructing students to slap their Muslim classmate as a punishment and uttering communal slurs against him.
The court’s decision follows the incident that occurred in August 2023, which was captured in a viral video.
The school principal is alleged to have instructed students to slap a Muslim boy, who was also subjected to communal slurs. The disturbing video of the incident that had went viral on social media, had sparked outrage and widespread condemnation. As a result, a case was filed against Tyagi at the Mansoorpur police station in Muzaffarnagar under sections 323 (causing hurt), 504 (insult), 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Despite being rejected for anticipatory bail by the Muzaffarnagar court in October 2024, Tyagi sought bail from the Allahabad High Court. However, Justice Deepak Verma of the Allahabad High Court dismissed her request, ordering her to surrender before the court within two weeks from the date of the order and apply for regular bail.
The case had previously reached the Supreme Court, which expressed its displeasure over the Uttar Pradesh government’s failure to comply with its directive to appoint an agency for the counseling of the victim. In its order on November 10, 2023, the Supreme Court reprimanded the state government for its inaction regarding the child’s mental health.
The High Court’s decision now leaves Tyagi facing the possibility of imprisonment unless she follows the court’s instructions. The case has stirred public outcry, as such incidents of communal violence in educational institutions are considered deeply shameful and in violation of India’s constitutional values of secularism and equality.
This case continues to attract national attention as the legal process unfolds, with many expressing concerns about the impact of communal actions in schools and the need for greater accountability in educational institutions.