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Chandigarh: The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports surrounding the shocking incident at a Panipat private school where a Class 2 student was allegedly hung upside down from a window and beaten by a driver at the behest of the principal. The Commission observed that the case reflects a “grave failure of the school’s duty of care, warranting urgent intervention.”

The alleged incident took place in August at Srijan Public School, Panipat, and came to light only after a video of the act went viral on social media.

Allegations of Cruelty

According to the Commission’s order, the victim’s mother discovered the incident through social media, where the video showed the child being tied upside down, slapped repeatedly, and humiliated. The HHRC also noted reports of another video in which the principal, identified as Reena, was seen slapping students, pulling their ears, and allegedly forcing children to clean toilets and classrooms as punishment.

During initial inquiry, the principal admitted to having called the driver to discipline the child but denied authorising such cruelty. However, the HHRC observed that the facts revealed a systemic lapse, where instead of safeguarding the student, the staff inflicted severe physical and mental trauma. The driver, Ajay, allegedly also threatened the child with dire consequences if he disclosed the incident.

The Commission recorded further allegations that when the complainant’s family confronted the driver, they were threatened by a group of men, creating an atmosphere of intimidation.

Legal Action and Human Rights Concerns

Police have since registered an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The full bench of the Commission, headed by Justice Lalit Batra along with members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, described the incident as a direct violation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)—citing specifically-Article 19 (protection from all forms of violence and abuse),Article 28(2) (discipline in schools must respect dignity), and Article 37(a) (no child shall face cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment).

It also flagged violations under the Right to Education Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and dignity. “Assaulting and threatening a 7-year-old amounts to trampling on his dignity and rights, while also eroding trust in the education system,” Justice Batra remarked.

HHRC Intervention and Directions

The HHRC team, led by Commission members, rushed to Panipat on September 29 after the incident surfaced. A meeting was held at the PWD Rest House with SP Bhupender Singh, ADC Dr Pankaj Yadav, District Education Officer, and other officials.

Following its preliminary review, the Commission issued the following directions, with reports due by November Panipat SP, DC, and District Education Officer to:

• • Review compliance with Section 17 of the RTE Act, 2009, which prohibits corporal punishment.

  • Audit the school’s disciplinary policies and safety mechanisms.

  • Ensure psychological counselling and support for the victim child and family.

  • Recommend measures for positive parenting and child-friendly discipline.

  • Monitor unauthorized schools under the Haryana School Education Act.

• SP Panipat to:

  • Provide FIR details, applied provisions, and progress on investigation.

  • Record statements of the victim, family, and witnesses.

  • Report on arrest status of accused persons.

  • Guarantee protection for the complainant’s family against threats or intimidation.

Commission’s Stand on Corporal Punishment

Emphasising the need for systemic reform, the Commission reiterated that corporal punishment has been condemned by psychologists, international conventions, and Indian law.“Education must be rooted in positive discipline, empathy, and constructive guidance. Schools must protect and nurture children, not degrade or humiliate them,” the order stated.