SEWA NYAYA UTTHAN FOUNDATION
Service. Justice. Inclusion
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has acted on a complaint filed by Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation (SNU) regarding compulsory Islamic religious instruction being imposed on a Hindu student at a private educational institution in Hyderabad.
IThe NHRC has issued notices under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, calling for an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Director of School Education, Telangana, the District Magistrate, Hyderabad, and the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad.
According to the complaint filed by SNU, Success The Junior College in Saidabad, Hyderabad assigned Islamic religious lessons and prayers as compulsory homework to students through the school’s official diaries. The complaint further stated that when parents questioned the school administration, the management reportedly described the entries as a mistake despite similar instructions appearing repeatedly.
SNU contended that imposing compulsory religious instruction in a secular educational institution violates the rights of children and undermines the secular character of education. The Foundation requested the NHRC to order an inquiry into the matter, take appropriate action against the school management, and issue directions to prevent compulsory religious instruction in educational institutions.
After examining the complaint, the NHRC observed: “The allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victims.”
Based on this prima facie finding, the Commission has sought reports from the Telangana authorities before proceeding further with the matter.
Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation has welcomed the NHRC’s intervention and stated that it will continue to pursue the case until the inquiry is completed and appropriate action is taken.
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