London. In Britain, the case of stopping a Hindu child from applying Tilak on his forehead in school has reached the London High Court. An Indian-origin family has filed an appeal against Vicars Green Primary School in west London, alleging religious discrimination and violation of human rights. The family has demanded compensation of 25 thousand pounds from the school.
The nine-year-old child is a follower of the Swaminarayan tradition and was going to school wearing a tilak since the year 2021. According to the family, initially no objection was raised by the school, but towards the end of 2025, the school administration started raising questions on applying tilak.
Accused of repeatedly questioning the child about religion
The family has claimed in the court that the child was repeatedly asked questions about his religion in school. After this he was removed from the school council and also barred from participating in some activities. The parents allege that they were even told that if they wanted their child to continue following Hindu religious traditions, then they should enroll him in a religious school.
The family says that this entire incident affected the mental health of the child. He was affected by anxiety and depression. The situation became such that his parents had to expel him from school.
Appeal under Equality and Human Rights Act
In its petition, the family has alleged religious discrimination under Britain's Equality Act 2010 and violation of rights under the Human Rights Act 1998. A law firm named Ashray Law is advocating on behalf of the family. It has also received the support of the Action for Harmony organization.
The school rejected the allegations
On the other hand, the school administration has denied the family's allegations. The school says it handled the entire matter with sensitivity and also provided options to the family. The school has denied any form of religious discrimination.
After the matter became public, there was resentment in the British Hindu community. Nitin Palan, head of Action for Harmony, said that every child in Britain should have the freedom to practice their religious beliefs and no one should be discriminated against on the basis of religion.
He said that this case is not limited to just one child or school, but raises important questions related to religious freedom and equality in the British education system. No child should be forced to choose between his or her religious belief and education.