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Chandigarh: The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious cognisance of a disturbing case of alleged corporal punishment involving a Class VII student at Delhi Public School (DPS), Karnal, describing the incident as a grave violation of the fundamental and statutory rights of a child.
According to the complaint placed before the Commission, the minor student was allegedly slapped repeatedly by a teacher in front of classmates over a minor mistake. The incident is said to have caused severe mental trauma, fear, humiliation and a lasting sense of insecurity in the child. The Commission observed that such acts not only undermine a child’s dignity but also have long-term adverse effects on psychological well-being.
In a detailed order, Justice Lalit Batra, Chairperson of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, termed the alleged conduct as a gross violation of Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, along with Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. These provisions strictly prohibit corporal punishment, mental harassment and any form of humiliation of children in educational institutions.
Emphasising the legal and moral responsibility of schools, Justice Batra stated that educational institutions are duty-bound to provide a safe, dignified and child-friendly environment. He categorically observed that discipline can never be enforced through fear, violence or humiliation, and warned that any deviation from this principle would invite strict action under the law.
Taking a stern view of the matter, the Commission has directed the District Education Officer (DEO), Karnal, in coordination with the District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO), to conduct a comprehensive, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the functioning of DPS Karnal. The inquiry will specifically examine the school’s compliance with Section 17 of the RTE Act, review its disciplinary framework and child-safety policies, and assess the immediate steps taken to provide psychological counselling and emotional support to the affected child and his family.
The Commission has also ordered scrutiny of records related to any previous complaints or incidents within the school, verification of whether a case has been registered under the Juvenile Justice Act in connection with the incident, and evaluation of child protection and safety measures in place on the school premises. Additionally, authorities have been asked to examine initiatives taken by the school and the Education Department to promote child-centred discipline, positive behavioural practices and non-violent methods focused on children’s psychological well-being.
The Principal of DPS Karnal has been directed to submit a detailed factual report outlining the sequence of events, the actions taken or proposed against the concerned teacher, the safeguards adopted to prevent recurrence, and a clear assurance that the child will not face any bias, harassment, or victimisation in the future.
Justice Batra further made it unequivocally clear that the Commission will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of cruelty, abuse or negligence against children, and that strict legal action will be initiated against individuals or institutions found guilty.
All concerned authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, Karnal; the Superintendent of Police, Karnal; the District Education Officer; the District Elementary Education Officer; and the Principal of DPS Karnal, have been directed to submit their respective reports at least one week before the next hearing date, scheduled for March 18, 2026.
