Take action against school, says child rights panel

The child rights commission has asked the Ashoknagar police to initiate action against the principal and management of the Baldwin Boys' High School for making students stand outside the school premises for coming late.

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has demanded that action be taken under Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice Act, pertaining to cruelty to a child and corporal punishment.

On July 27, a complaint was lodged with the commission by a parent of a child studying in the school, located on Hosur Road, that children were made to stand outside for coming late. This could compromise the child's safety, the complaint said. The parent sought police intervention. It was only when the Hoysala van arrived at the school that the children were allowed inside.

The complainant had further alleged that he was physically assaulted by a school staffer and was threatened by police constables in the principal's chamber. The parent was warned out to intervene in matters that concern other children.

In its order on Friday, the commission sought action against the teacher who allegedly assaulted the parent, and disciplinary proceedings against the constables who were on duty.

The commission had called for a hearing on August 1.

To this, the advocate representing the principal and school management said the respondents were in Kolkata for a meeting. The KSCPCR has sought proof of the same.

The school has been directed to permit students inside even if they are late or else they would miss classes for the entire day.