Carry out institutional audit of Jhajjar school, human rights panel directs DEO

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of an incident involving the alleged assault of a Class XI student by a teacher of a private school in the district.

The incident reported by The Tribune on May 17 has prompted the Commission to issue strict directives to the authorities concerned.

The Commission has instructed the District Education Officer (DEO) to carry out an urgent institutional audit of the school. The audit would assess whether a child protection policy exists, grievance redressal mechanisms and whether effective internal disciplinary procedures for staff misconduct are being followed.

In addition, the Commission has directed the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jhajjar, to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation, conducted under his direct supervision. A comprehensive status report, including medical records and statements of all relevant parties, must be submitted to the Commission within four weeks. Both the DEO and SP have been asked to submit their reports by July 8, the next scheduled date of hearing.

The teacher in question, identified as Sonu, alias RS Rathore, has been booked by the Jhajjar police following a complaint lodged by the student’s father.

According to the complaint, the school staff informed the father via cellphone that his son had suffered a fracture and had been admitted to a hospital. Upon arrival, the student reportedly informed his father that the teacher had broken his hand. “My son is mentally disturbed due to the incident,” the father stated in his complaint.

The Commission comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia has expressed deep concern over the physical and emotional trauma suffered by the student.

“This is not an isolated incident of violence but points to a systemic failure in ensuring student safety and monitoring staff conduct. Reports of intimidation faced by the victim’s family further aggravate the seriousness of the matter. Such behaviour undermines trust in educational institutions and damages the sanctity of the teacher-student relationship,” noted the Commission, adding that it was necessary to implement immediate corrective, protective and preventive measures.

As per the Commission, the reported facts indicate a serious violation of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution, which encompasses dignity, mental well-being and protection from abuse.

“The incident also clearly violates Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which prohibit cruelty and corporal punishment against children. Moreover, it contravenes Articles 19 and 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which call for safeguarding children from all forms of physical or mental violence and ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. The matter demands immediate and thorough investigation to protect the rights of the victim and ensure accountability,” the Commission added.