Bengaluru: Sexual assaults of minor girls - HC raps govt, schools


Bengaluru, Oct 7 (PTI): Taking serious note of the rising incidents of sexual assaults of minor girls in schools, the Karnataka High Court today pulled up the education department and private schools and asked them to ensure the safety and security of students.

Hearing a petition filed by private school managements seeking a stay on safety guidelines issued by police, Justice A N Venugopal Gowda said if the education department and school managements do not take action against defaulters, the court would intervene.

It observed that the action taken by education department and managements were not satisfactory and also said, "If they don't take the matter seriously, the court will intervene and initiate day-to-day monitoring."

The judge said the court expects every government servant to take action against those who are inactive or have failed in discharging duties with devotion. "Unless they live up to the expectations, there cannot be effective implementation."

He directed Karnataka Public Instruction Commissioner Mohammed Mohsin to take action against erring officials. He also flayed the education department for not initiating steps to check mushrooming of illegal schools in the state.

"Why are you not taking action against unauthorised schools?" the judge asked, adding that had the education department acted, such incidents (of sexual assaults) would not have taken place.

Schools have primary duty to take care of children from the time they leave for school till they reach home, he said.

Taking note of Home Minister K J George's remarks blaming the media for highlighting the rape cases to increase TRP ratings, the judge said the fourth estate is the guardian of public interest and shouldn't be blamed. "Why do you blame the media? Media is the guardian of public interest," he said.

Recurring sexual assaults on minor girls here have evoked public outrage and raised questions about safety in schools and their compliance with safety guidelines issued by police. Four sexual assaults of minor girls in schools occurred in the city in as many months.

In the latest incident, a six-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted twice by Hindi teacher in a private school on October 28.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Shankar, Mangalore

    Sat, Nov 08 2014

    Shame on Karnataka Govt. Shame on Siddramayya and George.
    Unauthorized schools are running right under their noses and they cant control it. How can we expect such shameless and spineless govt take actions on children's security at schools?

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Sat, Nov 08 2014

    It is time that the school authorities, The Parents, The Police and the teachers hold meetings and decide on the strategic plans to control the situation which is deteriorating.

    It wold not be a bad idea to enroll the help of some well meaning citizens to control this menace.

    Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • RM, mlore

    Sat, Nov 08 2014

    What about girls and women on roads and pathways? What about their safety? What about grave punishment 2 the ones who rape and assault women? No safety measures will change the culprits than hanging them.Law will save them if they produce medical certificate of a psychiatric.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Sat, Nov 08 2014

    When education centre does not Show reaction,then HC must take Action.They should give clear Statement that either centre will be closed or further high punishment should be given.HC should make clear that it is not a fraud centre ,but educational centre and punish People.Parents are paying fees and Girls should be protected.parents are expect this.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • praveen, mangalore

    Fri, Nov 07 2014

    this is a good observation by the court. one more thing is the new guidelines issued apply to schools in Bangalore only. will the HC please make it mandatory in all schools in state and the central govt under HRD ministry please implement all over country at least in a phased manner depending on allotment of funds.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • JK, Udupi/Dubai

    Fri, Nov 07 2014

    Home Minister Mr. George, are you clear now? don't just blame media, behave like a responsible minister.
    issue strict guidelines all private schools.

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stany D'sa, Balehonnur/Dubai

    Fri, Nov 07 2014

    Very good enlightenment and sensible strong message from HC to the education department and commissioner in particular. George got a strong signal from HC for his unwarranted comments on media. Karnataka government's image being tarnished due to rape incidents. Culprits should be given capital punishment.

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Bengaluru

    Fri, Nov 07 2014

    HC warning a Slap on the face of Kimmane,George and sleepng Siddraramaiaha.Hope they will wake from deep slumber and own their responsibility.Lest resign the posts you hold.....disguesting

    DisAgree [9] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Bengaluru: Sexual assaults of minor girls - HC raps govt, schools



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