Haryana Rights Panel Orders Multi-Departmental Probe After DPS Teacher Allegedly Slaps Student

Haryana Rights Panel Orders Multi-Departmental Probe After DPS Teacher Allegedly Slaps Student

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken decisive action by ordering a thorough, multi-departmental inquiry into Delhi Public School (DPS), Karnal. This move comes in response to serious allegations that a teacher at the school subjected a Class VII student to physical punishment and public humiliation, actions that reportedly caused severe emotional distress and mental trauma to the child.

Commission's Observations on the Alleged Incident

In an order passed by Justice Lalit Batra, the HHRC chairperson, the Commission noted that the complainant's minor son, who studies at DPS Karnal, was allegedly slapped multiple times by a teacher for a minor mistake. This incident occurred in the presence of other students, leading to what the Commission described as "severe emotional distress, fear, and mental trauma." The Commission emphasized that such acts, if proven, constitute serious violations of the child's dignity, sense of security, and overall well-being.

Legal Framework and Violations Cited

The HHRC highlighted that corporal punishment and mental harassment are expressly prohibited under Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Furthermore, these actions fall within the ambit of cruelty and abuse under Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The Commission stressed that the responsibility of nurturing and protecting children lies not only with parents but equally with school authorities, underscoring the need for educational institutions to adopt positive, child-centred disciplinary practices.

Scope of the Ordered Inquiry

The Commission has directed the District Education Officer (DEO), Karnal, in association with the District Elementary Education Officer, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the functioning of DPS Karnal. This inquiry will specifically examine:

• Compliance with the Right to Education Act, 2009, particularly the prohibition on physical punishment and mental harassment.
• The school's disciplinary framework and administrative safeguards to prevent corporal punishment.
• The steps taken to ensure child protection and safety on campus.

Additionally, the education authorities have been instructed to verify whether immediate measures have been taken to provide psychological counselling and emotional support to the victim child and his family. The inquiry will also look into any previous complaints or disciplinary actions against the school and ascertain the status of registration of any case under the Juvenile Justice Act, if applicable.

Assessment of Positive Parenting and Child-Centred Practices

In a significant directive, the Commission ordered an "assessment of the measures adopted by the school and the Education Department to promote positive parenting and child-centred disciplinary practices." This assessment is to be aligned with principles of nurturing, non-violent discipline, and protection of children's psychological well-being, reflecting a broader commitment to creating safe and supportive learning environments.

Reports Required from School and Authorities

Separately, the principal of Delhi Public School, Karnal, has been directed to submit a detailed factual report. This report must explain:

1. The sequence of events related to the alleged incident.
2. The school's policies and guidelines on corporal punishment and child protection.
3. The action taken or proposed against the concerned teacher.

The principal must also outline measures taken to ensure the safety, dignity, and mental well-being of the child and provide a categorical assurance that the student will not be subjected to any bias, harassment, or victimisation in the future.

Multi-Departmental Coordination and Timeline

The Commission has further directed that status reports be submitted by multiple authorities, including:

• The deputy commissioner, Karnal.
• The superintendent of police, Karnal.
• The district education officer, Karnal.
• The district elementary education officer, Karnal.
• The principal of DPS Karnal.

These reports are to be filed at least one week prior to the next date of hearing, which has been fixed for March 18, 2026. This coordinated approach underscores the seriousness with which the HHRC is treating this case, aiming to ensure accountability and prevent future violations of children's rights in educational settings.