The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has mandated the installation and proper functioning of CCTV cameras in all school buses across the state, following a serious incident involving a Class III student in Nuh district. The commission issued these directives during a hearing on a suo motu case and has sought compliance reports from authorities by the next hearing scheduled for July 30.
Background of the Case
The case stems from an incident at Prabhat Senior Secondary School in Chhachhera village, where a seven-year-old girl was allegedly subjected to brutal corporal punishment by a teacher on August 14, 2025. According to the allegations, the teacher beat the child with a stick for failing to solve a question on the blackboard, causing injuries to her neck, back, and other sensitive body parts.
The situation escalated when the victim's father approached the school management to protest but was reportedly misbehaved with, and the school failed to take appropriate action. Furthermore, even after a written complaint was submitted to the police, timely action was not initiated against the teacher or the school authorities.
Commission's Observations
Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the HHRC observed that the case indicated a grave violation of the human rights of a minor child, along with negligence by the school management and inaction by local police. The bench, headed by chairperson Justice Lalit Batra along with members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, noted major contradictions in reports submitted by the Nuh district education officer and the school management regarding CCTV installation and monitoring.
As per the inspection report, only two buses were found on the school premises, of which one had no CCTV camera, while the other had a camera whose functionality and recording status could not be confirmed. In contrast, the school claimed all six buses were equipped with CCTV and recordings were being preserved. Taking note of these discrepancies, the commission ordered a fresh inspection and directed officials to verify the number of buses and the actual status of CCTV cameras in buses, classrooms, and other key areas.
Directives Issued
Referring to the state government's Surakshit School Vahan Policy, the HHRC highlighted that student safety is a joint responsibility of institutions and authorities, extending beyond classrooms to school transport. The commission noted that CCTV cameras in buses can help monitor activities and prevent misconduct or negligence.
The commission directed district and sub-divisional committees, including administrative, police, education, and transport officials, to carry out regular inspections of school buses, ensure cameras are functional, recordings are preserved, and submit reports. It also emphasized that schools must ensure a safe and supportive environment, and any form of corporal punishment violates the right to education and dignity.
Police Response and Next Steps
During the hearing, the Nuh superintendent of police joined through video conference. The commission expressed dissatisfaction over both the injuries suffered by the child and the police response, directing that the matter be re-examined and a detailed action taken report be submitted. The commission reiterated that installation and monitoring of CCTV cameras in school vehicles is mandatory and sought compliance reports by July 30.
