Allahabad HC Stays Teacher's Suspension Amid 'Forced Islamic Practices' Probe

The Allahabad High Court has temporarily stopped the suspension of Mohammed Anzar Ahmad, a teacher in Uttar Pradesh Sambhal district, who was accused of making students follow Islamic practices. This significant decision, made on September 7, 2026, by Justice Manju Rani Chauhan, means Ahmad's suspension is on hold while a full departmental inquiry into the allegations continues. Ahmad was initially suspended in May 2026 after viral videos and photographs showed students allegedly wearing hijab and skull caps and reciting an Urdu prayer. The allegations against Ahmad claimed he forced girl students to wear hijab and boys to wear skull caps, and also made them recite the Urdu poem 'Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua' before morning prayers at a government primary school in Jalab Sarai village. Ahmad, however, denies these claims, stating he was on medical leave when the alleged incidents occurred. This case highlights ongoing debates in India about religious freedom and practices within educational institutions, a topic that often sees legal challenges and strong public reactions across the country. The High Court has told the authorities to finish their inquiry into Ahmad's conduct very quickly, ideally within 15 days. This means the final decision on his employment will depend on the findings of this investigation. Meanwhile, Ahmad gets a temporary relief, but the deeper questions about religious expression and neutrality in Indian government school will likely continue to be a point of discussion and legal scrutiny.