Legally Intervened In Bengal Case Where Student Alleged She Was Rusticated For Tulsi Mala, Tilak

Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation gave a complaint to National Human Rights Commission that, as per information received, a Class XI Hindu student studying in a school within the jurisdiction of Para Police Station, Purulia, was allegedly objected to by members of the school administration for wearing a Tulsi mala around her neck and applying a tilak on her forehead—both of which are recognised expressions of her religious faith.

The family further alleged that, despite discussions with the school administration, no resolution was reached and that the student subsequently received a Transfer Certificate (TC) through WhatsApp, effectively forcing her to leave the school.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of the complaint and issued notices to relevant authorities, including:

The DM, the SP, Purulia, and the Principal Secretary, Dept. of Education, Govt. of West Bengal.