Did Haryana Rights Panel Respond to Teacher's Assault on Student?

Chandigarh, May 26 (NationPress) The Haryana Human Rights Commission has proactively taken suo motu cognizance of an alleged assault by a teacher on a Class 11 student, resulting in a fractured hand, and has issued directives for appropriate action.

This incident occurred in a private school located in Jhajjar district, where teacher Sonu, also known as R.S. Rathor, reportedly attacked the student, who was subsequently admitted to a hospital managed by the same educational group.

Disturbingly, the student’s family allegedly faced mistreatment and intimidation from the school staff during their hospital visit, as highlighted by the Human Rights Commission on Monday.

The event not only signifies physical violence but also mental trauma and institutional negligence, marking a grave violation of children's fundamental rights, as observed by the commission.

The police have initiated a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The comprehensive commission, led by Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra along with members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, has expressed serious concern regarding the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon the student.

The commission emphasized that this is not merely an isolated incident of violence but indicative of a systemic failure to ensure student safety and monitor the conduct of staff. Reports of intimidation faced by the victim’s family further exacerbate the severity of the situation. Such actions undermine trust in educational institutions and tarnish the integrity of the teacher-student relationship. Consequently, the commission deemed it essential to implement immediate corrective, protective, and preventive measures.

The commission's initial assessment suggested that the reported facts indicated a serious breach of the fundamental rights to life and personal liberty as per Article 21 of the Constitution, which encompasses dignity, mental well-being, and protection from abuse.

This incident also infringed upon Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, which prohibit cruelty and corporal punishment against minors. Additionally, it contravened Articles 19 and 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which advocate for the protection of children from all forms of physical or mental violence and the assurance of a secure and supportive learning environment.

The matter necessitates an immediate and thorough investigation to safeguard the victim's rights and ensure accountability, the commission remarked.

While not expressing any opinion on the merits at this preliminary stage, the Human Rights Commission instructed the Superintendent of Police of Jhajjar to guarantee that the investigation is conducted fairly, transparently, and within a specified timeframe under his direct oversight.

A status report, including witness statements and medical records, must be submitted to the commission within four weeks. Furthermore, the District Education Officer has been tasked with conducting an urgent institutional audit of the school. This audit will evaluate, among other aspects, whether a functional child protection policy is established and whether a grievance redressal mechanism exists for both students and parents, as mentioned by the commission.