World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Hindu family takes UK school dispute over tilak to High Court
The parents of a nine-year-old Hindu boy have taken a London school dispute to the High Court after withdrawing him from Vicar’s Green Primary School.
The boy, who follows the Swaminarayan faith, had worn a Tilak-Chandlo religious marking at school for years before the school objected in late 2025.
His family alleges staff questioned him about his faith and restricted his participation in some activities.
The school denies discrimination and says it recognised the family’s beliefs and offered alternatives they did not accept.
The case claims religious discrimination and breaches of human rights law, and seeks £25,000 in damages.
The proceedings are ongoing, and the court case could clarify religious rights in schools.
The parents of a nine-year-old Hindu boy have begun legal proceedings in the High Court of England and Wales after a London primary school objected to his wearing a religious marking.
The boy, who follows the Swaminarayan faith, had worn the Tilak-Chandlo to school since 2021.
His parents withdrew him from Vicar’s Green Primary School after the dispute.
The family alleges religious discrimination and breaches of human rights, while the school disputes the allegations.
The case seeks £25,000 in damages and remains ongoing.
- Who
- The parents of a nine-year-old British Hindu boy, represented by Ashray Law.
- What
- They have taken legal action alleging religious discrimination and breaches of human rights after a school objected to their son wearing a Tilak-Chandlo.
- When
- The school objected in late 2025; the proceedings are ongoing.
- Where
- Vicar’s Green Primary School in west London and the High Court of England and Wales.
- Why
- The family says the dispute concerned their son’s religious practice and his right to education. The school says it acted sensitively and offered alternative arrangements.
The boy’s family
Vicar’s Green Primary School
Religious marking
The boy’s family
The family says the boy’s Tilak-Chandlo is a sacred part of his faith and did not interfere with his learning.
Vicar’s Green Primary School
The school says its policy aims to promote cohesion, fairness, equality and a shared sense of belonging.
Treatment of the family
The boy’s family
The family alleges the boy was questioned about his religious practice and restricted from some school activities.
Vicar’s Green Primary School
The school disputes discrimination, saying it recognised the family’s beliefs and offered alternative arrangements that the parents did not accept.
Legal claim
The boy’s family
The family alleges breaches of the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998 and seeks £25,000 in damages.
Vicar’s Green Primary School
The school disputes the allegations.
The boy attended Vicar’s Green Primary School and wore his Tilak-Chandlo without difficulty.
The school objected to the boy wearing the religious marking, triggering a dispute.
The parents withdrew their son from the school and pursued legal action.
The family’s High Court proceedings were reported as ongoing.
- Boy’s age
- 9
- School
- Vicar’s Green Primary School, west London
- Religious marking
- Tilak-Chandlo
- Damages sought
- £25,000
- Laws cited
- Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998
What people are saying
As parents, it has been heartbreaking to see our son go through this simply because he wanted to practise his faith
No child should feel compelled to choose between their faith and their education.
promote cohesion, fairness, equality and a shared sense of belonging while preventing division or disruption within the school community
Religious equality must extend to all communities, including Hindu children whose traditions and beliefs are an important part of their identity.