Delhi HC upholds teacher’s jail term for assaulting girl, urges schools to encourage children to speak out

Educational institutions must encourage children to speak out about conduct causing them fear or insecurity, the Delhi High Court has said while upholding the five-year imprisonment of a school teacher for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old student. Justice Madhu Jain observed that the abuse of a teacher's position, particularly against a young girl, is a matter of grave concern and cannot be treated as a mere breach of discipline. The court dismissed an appeal by the drawing teacher, who was convicted by a trial court for aggravated sexual assault under the Pocso Act and other IPC offences.

The case dates back to August 2016, when an FIR was lodged against the teacher. The court also termed as 'disturbing' the conduct of the school principal, who allegedly told the child not to disclose the matter to her parents. The HC stressed that children who complain must not be made to feel they have done something wrong, and schools must ensure children are aware of their rights and encouraged to speak about any discomfort or insecurity. The teacher was also fined Rs 2,000 by the trial court.