The Allahabad High Court has recently dismissed the anticipatory bail application of Tripta Tyagi, a teacher accused of prompting students to slap a Muslim student as punishment in a school in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Justice Deepak Verma, in his single-judge order, directed Tyagi to surrender before the concerned lower court within two weeks. The Court further stated that if she applies for regular bail after surrendering, the application should be decided swiftly in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Satender Kumar Antil Vs. Central Bureau of Investigation. However, the Court also ordered that no coercive action be taken against Tyagi for the next two weeks, or until she voluntarily surrenders.
The incident, which took place at a Muzaffarnagar school, triggered outrage after a video went viral showing Tyagi encouraging students to slap the Muslim classmate. Tyagi allegedly made offensive comments about the student’s religion, inciting her classmates to take action. The incident led to public protests, and the school was later sealed by authorities.
Tyagi later released a video in which she denied any communal motive but admitted that she had made a mistake in her actions.
During the hearing for anticipatory bail, Tyagi’s counsel argued that she was being falsely implicated and that the offence she was accused of carried a maximum punishment of less than three years imprisonment. The State government, however, opposed her bail plea.
After considering both sides, the Court rejected the anticipatory bail application, noting that the seriousness of the case required a thorough legal process.
Advocates Ashutosh Singh and Neetu represented Tyagi in the matter.
Additionally, the Supreme Court is hearing a plea filed by Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, seeking a time-bound and independent investigation into the incident. The petition also calls for steps to curb violence against religious minority students. The Supreme Court has been issuing regular directions related to the case.
