The Directorate of Education’s action came after protests from Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal
Team Clarion
RAMNAGAR – A teacher at the Government Inter College in the Uttarakhand city of Kharadi was suspended over a seemingly simple act of religious accommodation allowing Muslim students a brief leave for Friday’s congregational noon prayers.
The teacher, Tilak Chandra Joshi, allowed Muslim students a brief leave for the prayers, triggering protests by Hindu groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.
While the Directorate of Education has justified the suspension, the incident raises broader questions about the treatment of religious minorities in India’s educational institutions. Critics argue that the move reflects a growing intolerance toward the cultural and religious needs of Muslims.
The controversy began when Joshi, acting as in-charge principal for the day, permitted Muslim students to leave for an hour to perform their Friday prayers. In a viral video, Joshi is seen explaining that the leave was granted as many students were otherwise absent on Fridays. “The children returned to school after offering their prayers,” Joshi stated, adding that this practice aimed to balance educational responsibilities with religious obligations.
The explanation, however, was not well received by Hindutva groups, who labelled the act as a violation of educational protocols. Members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal staged protests, accusing the school administration of favouring one community.
“This is a blatant disregard for the rules and an attempt to appease a particular religion,” claimed Anil Sharma, a VHP leader present at the protest.
Under pressure from these groups, the Directorate of Education launched an inquiry. By Saturday, an explanation was sought from Joshi, and on Sunday, Additional Director of Secondary Education Dr Mukul Kumar Sati announced his suspension.
“The teacher has been suspended for violating the Conduct Rules of Employees 2002,” said Dr Sati, emphasising that Joshi would remain attached to the Chief Education Officer’s office during the investigation.
The suspension order has been criticised as hasty and one-sided by Muslim community leaders, who argue that it reflects systemic bias.
The Muslim community in Ramnagar has expressed outrage over the decision, viewing it as an attack on their religious rights. Local leader Fayaz Hussain stated, “The Constitution of India guarantees the right to practice one’s faith. Allowing students a brief break for Namaaz is not a violation but a reflection of India’s diversity.”
Parents of Muslim students studying at the school echoed similar sentiments. “Our children are being punished for practicing their religion,” said a parent who requested anonymity. “This suspension sends a message that our faith is not welcome in public spaces.”
Amid the controversy, the School Management Committee (SMC) and the Parents-Teachers Association have issued statements denying that any formal policy existed to grant Friday leave to Muslim students.
“While some parents had requested a half-day holiday on Fridays, the school administration rejected this demand,” clarified Shahnaz Gul, President of the Parents-Teachers Association. “The students who left school did so informally, and the school had no role in approving such practices.”
Despite these clarifications, questions remain about whether the school’s administration has been unfairly targeted. Critics argue that Joshi, who was acting principal for only a day, has been made a scapegoat for systemic administrative issues.
The incident has reignited debates about the treatment of Muslims in India, particularly in the current socio-political climate. Activists argue that the suspension is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of marginalising Muslim voices and practices in public institutions.
“Whenever Muslims assert their religious identity, they face backlash,” said human rights activist Khalid Ahmed. “This case reflects a growing intolerance that is eroding India’s secular fabric.”
Ahmed also pointed to similar incidents in other states where Muslim students were criticised for wearing hijab or celebrating religious festivals. “The focus is always on policing Muslim practices, while the needs of other communities are overlooked,” he added.
Hindu groups, on the other hand, have defended their stance, claiming that granting leave for religious practices disrupts the neutrality of public education.
“Schools are not places of worship,” argued VHP member Anil Sharma. “If one community is allowed special privileges, it sets a dangerous precedent.”
However, critics have countered that such arguments are often used selectively. “Hindu festivals and rituals are frequently accommodated in public spaces without controversy,” said journalist Ayesha Khan. “Why is it that only Muslim practices are seen as disruptive?”
The incident has broader implications for India’s secular ethos. While the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, incidents like these reveal the challenges of implementing these rights in a pluralistic society.
Legal experts have weighed in, highlighting the importance of balancing institutional rules with cultural sensitivities. “Granting students an hour for prayer does not violate any laws,” said advocate Salman Qureshi. “It is a matter of ensuring inclusivity and respect for all faiths.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, many are calling for a more nuanced approach to such issues. Community leaders have urged the government to focus on fostering harmony rather than allowing divisive narratives to take root.
“This is not just about one teacher or a school,” said local activist Fatima Begum. “It is about what kind of society we want to build. Do we want to celebrate our diversity, or do we want to let prejudice dictate our actions?”
The Directorate of Education has assured a thorough investigation, but for many, the damage has already been done. The suspension of a teacher for accommodating students’ religious practices sends a chilling message about the state of secularism in India.
