Neglect of national anthem and reduction in Dussehra holidays at Harrow International School

Students file petition in Karnataka High Court !

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – 2 students have approached the Karnataka High Court against several objectionable practices at the reputed Harrow International School in Devanahalli, including ignoring the national anthem and reducing the Dussehra holidays. The students are from grades 10 and 12, and the petition has been filed on their behalf by Anil P. Menasinkai, a resident of Sahakarnagar.

After hearing the initial arguments, the High Court issued notices to the State Government, the Child Rights Protection Commission, the Superintendent of Police (Bengaluru Rural), Vishwanathapura Police Station, and the school management. The next hearing is scheduled for November 26^th.

🏫🇮🇳 Harrow International School controversy!

📍Devanahalli, Bengaluru

Neglect of the National Song 🇮🇳 and reduction of Dasara holidays sparks outrage among students

🧑‍🎓 Students file a petition in the Karnataka High Court —
But the Court remarks: “If children don’t like the… pic.twitter.com/GkWBBweUMR

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) November 2, 2025

“If students are unhappy with the school’s decisions, they should join another school !” – Karnataka High Court

During the hearing, the court strongly remarked that the parents were setting a wrong precedent in the name of their children. “This is nothing but ego. Today it is an issue about the national anthem, tomorrow it could be something else. How can a school be run according to one person’s wishes ? If they are not satisfied, they are free to move to another school. The parents are fully aware of the rules, yet they are doing this,” the court said. The judges also instructed the lawyers to advise the petitioners properly.

“We were threatened with expulsion after filing a complaint !” – Petitioners

Advocate Vikram Huilgol, appearing for the petitioners, said: “We understand the concerns of the court, but the issue is serious. The children’s rights have been violated. When a complaint was lodged with the local police and the Child Rights Commission, the school authorities threatened the students with expulsion.” He appealed to the court to order a detailed inquiry by the Child Rights Protection Commission and to direct the local police to ensure the students’ safety.