A committee led by two former High Court judges has submitted its report on the Badlapur school sexual abuse case, proposing key safety measures. The recommendations include mandatory CCTV installation and thorough character verification of school staff. These measures aim to enhance student safety and prevent future incidents in educational institutions. The court will review the suggestions for statewide implementation.
Mumbai: A committee established by the Bombay High Court following the Badlapur incident, where two minor girls were sexually assaulted by a contractual worker within their school, recommended the installation of mandatory CCTVs and thorough character verification of staff.
In its report submitted to the court on Wednesday, the committee led by two former High Court judges proposed several measures to enhance safety in schools and educational institutions throughout the state.
These recommendations include the installation of CCTV cameras, conducting character checks on staff, ensuring safe transportation for students, educating children about “good touch” and “bad touch,” raising awareness about cybercrimes, and prominently displaying the ‘1098’ children’s helpline.
During the proceedings, a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale directed the state government to review the report and its recommendations.
The court stated,
“We will also go through the report. Let the state government inform us about the steps it plans to take on the recommendations in two weeks,”
Last August, two five-year-old girls were sexually assaulted by a male attendant inside their school’s restroom. The accused was later arrested but was killed in September during an alleged retaliatory shootout by the police. Following the incident, the High Court took suo moto cognizance and ordered the formation of an expert committee to assess children’s safety in educational settings.
The committee’s report emphasized not only the installation of CCTV cameras but also the need to preserve footage for one month. It also recommended immediate termination of any staff member found to have a criminal background.
Additionally, it suggested that children in pre-primary and primary classes be specifically taught to identify “good touch” and “bad touch” through demonstrations.
The Badlapur sexual assault case involves a serious criminal incident in which a young woman was allegedly sexually assaulted. The accused in the case was later killed while in custody. The circumstances surrounding the death have raised significant concerns, especially regarding the role of law enforcement and the handling of the investigation.
The CID (Criminal Investigation Department) assigned to investigate the case, including the suspicious custodial death. However, the Bombay High Court criticized the CID for its negligent approach in investigating the killing, emphasizing the gravity of custodial deaths and the need for accountability in such matters. The court expressed alarm that the state seemed to treat the death lightly, despite the serious implications for human rights and the justice system.
This case has brought to light the issue of police misconduct, judicial oversight, and the lack of transparency in investigations. The public outcry over the handling of the case has led to calls for legal reform and stricter measures to ensure that victim rights are upheld, and justice is delivered effectively.
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