This case presents a disciplinary dilemma faced by Principal Mihir when an eighth-grade student at his school, Riya, was involved in an incident of aggression. The immediate situation suggested a straightforward violation of the school's zero-tolerance policy towards violence, leading Mihir to suspend Riya. However, as the case unfolds, deeper underlying issues emerge, revealing the psychological and social factors that result in the student’s behaviour. This case challenges educators and school leaders to analyse school discipline policies, social bullying and emotional regulation, pushing them to think beyond rules and consider the human element in decision-making.