A teacher at the Government Inter College in Kharadi, Uttarakhand, was suspended after permitting Muslim students a brief leave to attend Friday congregational prayers.
Tilak Chandra Joshi, serving as in-charge principal for the day, allowed Muslim students an hour-long leave for Friday prayers. In a viral video, Joshi explained that the practice aimed to balance educational attendance with religious obligations. “Many students were otherwise absent on Fridays, so they returned to school after prayers,” he said.
However, groups like the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested, accusing the school of violating educational protocols and favouring one community.
“This is blatant appeasement and disregards educational neutrality,” claimed VHP leader Anil Sharma.
The Directorate of Education responded by suspending Joshi, citing a breach of Conduct Rules of Employees, 2002. Dr. Mukul Kumar Sati, Additional Director of Secondary Education, confirmed Joshi’s suspension pending an investigation.
“The teacher will remain attached to the Chief Education Officer’s office until the inquiry concludes,” Dr. Sati said.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.
