Rights panel flags violation of child’s fundamental rights
Taking suo motu notice of reports that a Class 7 student at a private school in Karnal was repeatedly slapped by a teacher, the Haryana Human Rights Commission has ordered a time-bound investigation. Calling the incident a serious breach of a child’s fundamental rights, the commission asked the district education officer to examine the school’s functioning and ensure adherence to laws banning corporal punishment.
The commission’s chairperson, Justice Lalit Batra (retd), noted that the alleged assault occurred in the presence of other students over a minor lapse, causing the child mental distress and a sense of insecurity. Stressing that schools have both a legal and moral obligation to ensure a safe, child-friendly atmosphere, he said discipline cannot be imposed through fear, violence or humiliation, and warned that violations would attract stringent legal action.
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Prima facie violation of JJ Act, RTE Act: Commission
The commission said the teacher’s actions prima facie constitute a serious breach of Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which explicitly bar corporal punishment and mental harassment. It added that the incident points to a failure to follow child-centred disciplinary practices essential for a supportive educational environment.
The commission directed the school principal to file a detailed report outlining the sequence of events and the action taken or proposed against the teacher. It also sought status reports from the Karnal deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and education authorities, instructing all concerned officials to submit their findings at least a week ahead of the next hearing scheduled for March 18.
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