The case concerns an incident in Muzaffarnagar where a teacher instructed students to slap a Muslim student while making communal remarks. Activist Tushar Gandhi subsequently filed a public interest litigation (PIL) requesting a thorough and timely investigation. Following the incident, the student transferred to a private school. The court previously instructed the State of Uttar Pradesh to appoint a senior IPS officer to oversee the prosecution.

In earlier proceedings, the Court also reviewed an application filed by the victim’s father, which requested reimbursement for the child’s tuition fees, transportation, and provision of stationery, school uniforms, and other necessities. The Court had directed the State to submit an affidavit detailing their compliance with these requests.

During today’s hearing on July 26, 2024, Senior Advocate Garima Prasad, representing the State, mentioned that an NGO had offered to cover the expenses. Justice Abhay S. Oka responded by stating:

“This is actually vague. Somebody must come forward and say that they will take care of the child (of) entire expenditure till school education comes to an end. This is not the way. This will not serve the purpose”

Case Details: Tushar Gandhi v. State of Uttar Pradesh, Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 406 of 2023