Haryana Human Rights Commission Launches Suo Motu Action Over Alleged Corporal Punishment in Hisar School
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken serious note of alleged corporal punishment inflicted upon girl students at a government school in Hisar district, initiating suo motu proceedings and demanding comprehensive reports from local authorities. This decisive move follows a media exposé detailing an incident at a school in Jagan village, where students were reportedly subjected to humiliating disciplinary measures, sparking widespread public outrage.
Incident Details and Commission's Stern Response
According to the media report, girl students at the government school in Jagan village were allegedly forced to perform "squat punishment" and paraded around the campus, actions that have been condemned as a grave violation of their dignity and psychological well-being. A full bench of the commission, led by Justice Lalit Batra and including members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, has characterized the alleged incident as a "serious violation" of fundamental rights. The commission emphasized that any form of physical punishment or public humiliation in the name of discipline is utterly unacceptable and contravenes the core principles of child protection.
Legal and Systemic Implications Highlighted
The commission pointed out that such acts not only undermine national initiatives like the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign but also erode trust in the education system. It noted that if the allegations are substantiated, they could invoke provisions under:
- The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which explicitly bans corporal punishment.
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which penalizes cruelty to children.
- Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to dignity.
Additionally, the commission referenced international obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, underscoring the global standards for child welfare.
Investigation and Accountability Measures Ordered
Officials revealed that three videos of the incident surfaced and were emailed to the district education officer, prompting the formation of an inquiry committee. In response, the commission has issued specific directives to various authorities:
- The deputy commissioner must detail supervisory lapses and propose preventive measures.
- The district education officer is tasked with fixing accountability and suggesting reforms.
- The superintendent of police must report on any FIR filed and the status of the investigation.
- The school headmaster is required to explain the incident and actions taken.
All reports are due ahead of the next hearing scheduled for May 12, ensuring a time-bound and thorough inquiry, as emphasized by Assistant Registrar Dr. Puneet Arora.
Call for Reform and Child-Centric Approaches
Emphasizing the need for systemic reform, the commission advocated for schools to adopt child-centric, non-violent disciplinary methods rooted in empathy and guidance rather than punishment. This approach aligns with broader efforts to foster a safe and supportive educational environment, reinforcing the commitment to upholding children's rights and dignity in Haryana's schools.
