The Karnataka High Court has refused to dismiss criminal proceedings against a female kindergarten teacher accused of removing students’ pants and locking them in dark rooms as punishment. The case involves charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The accused, a nursery school teacher, allegedly harassed several young students, including the complainant’s daughter. According to the FIR, the teacher frequently removed the girl’s pants in front of other students and school staff, locked her in dark rooms, and subjected her to physical and mental trauma.
In her defense, the teacher argued that her actions were part of disciplinary measures and should not be treated as criminal offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the POCSO Act.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, in an order dated July 28, stated that teachers are expected to guide students, not traumatize them. The court emphasized that punishing children in such a manner, especially at such a young age, can have long-lasting psychological impacts.
“A teacher is meant to guide students, especially young ones. It is unacceptable for a teacher to traumatize a child, whether physically or mentally. Such aggressive punishment can have a devastating effect on the psychological and academic well-being of the child,” the judge remarked.
The court further noted that aggressive behavior by teachers can lead to emotional and cognitive problems in children, negatively impacting their academic performance.
The High Court referred to Section 11 of the POCSO Act, which criminalizes forcing a child to expose any part of their body. The court concluded that the teacher’s actions, as alleged, fall under this section, and she must face trial to prove her innocence.
Thus, the judge dismissed the petition, allowing the case to proceed.
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