The Supreme Court heard serious allegations of sexual abuse in ISKCON-run schools and questioned the lack of action by authorities. The bench directed petitioners to approach NCPCR and state child rights commissions, stressing that children’s safety must be examined by a neutral body.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India recently heard a serious petition concerning alleged sexual abuse of children in schools run by the ISKCON organisation. The matter was listed before a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan.
The case raised concerns about the safety and welfare of children and whether the authorities had taken proper action on complaints made by the victims and their representatives.
During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the petitioners informed the Court that there were grave and disturbing incidents of sexual abuse involving children in ISKCON-run schools.
It was submitted that despite repeatedly informing the concerned authorities, no effective action had been taken. The counsel stated,
“There are serious incidents, and authorities aren’t acting despite reminders.”
Justice Nagarathna questioned the steps taken by the petitioners and asked, “Have you gone to NCPCR?” Responding to this, the counsel said,
“Yes, but no response.”
The Court then observed that another reminder should be sent and further inquired about the status of any criminal proceedings by asking,
“Send another reminder. Any FIR or investigation?”
The counsel clarified that based on the internal records of ISKCON institutions, complaints had already been made to the police authorities.
After considering the submissions, the Supreme Court passed its order and disposed of the petition. The bench granted liberty to the petitioners to file a fresh representation before the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) as well as the State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
It directed that these authorities must consider the grievances raised. The Court recorded in its order,
“We dispose of this petition by reserving liberty to the petitioners herein to make a fresh representation/reminder to NCPCR, UP SCPCR and West Bengal SCPCR to bring to the notice of these respondents the allegations that are ventilated in this petition. It is needless to observe that if such representations are made to the aforesaid respondents, the same shall be considered having regard to the grievances and allegations which are stated in the representation/in the writ petition,”
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing on behalf of ISKCON, argued that the petition was not genuine and was linked to internal disputes within the organisation.
He submitted,
“This stems from a dispute between ISKCON factions.”
He further explained that the disagreement was between the Bangalore faction of ISKCON and other units, and the matter was already pending before a three-judge bench following differences within a review bench.
However, the petitioners strongly denied any connection between this case and the internal factional conflict. Emphasising the nature of the allegations and the importance of children’s safety, Justice Nagarathna made it clear that the Court was focusing only on the welfare of the children.
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She stated,
“This case has something to do with children…that’s why we have asked you to go to the neutral body,” and again reiterated, “The issue concerns children. That’s why we directed you to a neutral body.”
The Supreme Court made it clear that the appropriate course of action was for the petitioners to approach independent and neutral statutory bodies that are specifically meant to safeguard children’s rights.
These commissions are now expected to examine the allegations in detail and take necessary steps as per law.
Case Title:
RAJNEESH KAPUR Vs UNION OF INDIA
W.P.(Crl.) No. 398/2025 Diary No. 51457 / 2025
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