At Setal Azad Naurang Inter College in Hafiganj, a ninth-grade student named Farman Ali was expelled after he did not shave his beard, according to a video that has gone viral on social media. The student’s elder brother has lodged a complaint with the Bareilly District Magistrate and the Chief Minister’s portal, alleging discrimination.
The video shows Farman Ali in class, but it is reported that the principal threatened him with expulsion for not complying with the request to shave his beard. The principal reportedly stated, “This is not a madrasa; it is a college. There is a government mandate that no student, regardless of caste, should attend school with a beard.”
The principal allegedly harassed Farman and expelled him from the school.
The principal’s response to the student’s family was reportedly harsh. When they requested a written government order supporting the beard ban, the principal reportedly said, “Don’t teach us the law. If you’re too careful, you’ll be booked under the SC Act and sent to jail. Both your and your brother’s careers will be ruined.” This response has been criticized as discriminatory and damaging to social harmony.
Principal Ram Achal Kharwar has denied the allegations, claiming that Farman Ali frequently arrived late to school and did not wear the prescribed uniform. Kharwar said that the issues were related to punctuality and dress code, not the student’s beard.
District School Inspector Devki Singh has stated that no official complaint has been received regarding the incident yet. Singh added that if a complaint is filed, it will be investigated, and strict action will be taken if necessary.
