Dadri school removes student under JJB scanner for bringing gun to class, gets notice

Noida: Juvenile Justice Board has issued a notice to a school in Dadri for expelling a Class 11 student facing inquiry for allegedly bringing a country-made pistol to school.The notice, issued Friday, asked the principal to reinstate the student and explain, within seven days, why such an action was taken despite legal protections for children facing proceedings under the Juvenile Justice Act.JJB principal magistrate Akriti Singh said the Board intervened after a complaint was filed by the student's guardian stating that the school struck the student's name, from its rolls even though the inquiry was pending. "The student is legally considered a child in conflict with the law, and the JJ Act explicitly protects such children from exclusion or discrimination while the inquiry is ongoing," she said. "Schools cannot remove them from rolls in a manner that amounts to punishment. Our notice directs the principal to restore the enrolment, explain the decision, and ensure that the child does not face stigma within the institution."A complaint was filed by the school at Dadri police station on Oct 9 after a country-made pistol was recovered from the student. In a written statement, the principal informed police that the weapon had been seized and handed over to officers. The school sought a full investigation into the boy's intent, describing the incident as a serious breach of campus safety. The student was subsequently detained, granted bail, and is facing an inquiry before JJB.The principal told TOI the student was spotted in the school's backyard, allegedly posing for photographs with the weapon. "Once we were alerted, we checked his bag and found the pistol inside. We immediately called his father and removed his name from the school records. His father also indicated he would admit him elsewhere," Singh said. "Actions like these influence other students. That's why we struck his name off. But if we receive any notice, we will re-enrol him."JJB member Arun Gupta said the school's move appeared to violate provisions of both the Juvenile Justice Act and the Right to Education Act. The JJB has asked the principal to submit a explanation within seven days and warned that failure to comply could invite legal action

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here