LI Network
Published on: November 10, 2023 at 15:42 IST
The Delhi High Court has issued comprehensive directives for the court-appointed Child Safety Monitoring Committee concerning inspections of schools in the national capital. The focus of these inspections is on ensuring compliance with minimum standards of school safety.
Under the orders of a division bench, previously led by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma (now elevated to the Supreme Court) and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, the Committee’s inspections will be carried out collectively.
The Chairperson, Dr. R.M. Sharma (Former Indian Legal Services Officer), and the two members, Ranjana Prasad (Member of DCPCR) and Advocate Maini Brar, will collectively inspect the schools.
The court emphasized that, under normal circumstances, no member is allowed to independently inspect schools. However, in exceptional situations, the Chairperson may grant permission for independent inspections, with the condition that the findings are reported to the Chairperson in writing. Approval from the Chairperson is mandatory for the acceptance of such reports, and if dissatisfaction arises, the Chairperson retains the right to re-inspect the school and formulate a fresh report.
The Committee, established in September, was tasked with monitoring the implementation of a 2017 circular issued by the Delhi Government regarding minimum standards of school safety. With a deadline of six months to submit a report on adherence to safety standards, the Chairperson sought approval for the guidelines or procedures to be followed during inspections.
The court decreed that inspection proceedings will be led by the Chairperson, while the two members can submit written suggestions, subject to the Chairperson’s final decision. Interaction between the two members and school authorities is prohibited.
The court also stressed the importance of transparent inspection processes, with the Chairperson photographing areas like classrooms and toilets for the safety of children.
Furthermore, the court directed that police verification of guards and staff, especially those posted outside female children’s toilets, should be supplied by the school management. Failure to produce such verification could lead to the suspension of guards. Additionally, the management must ensure regular breath analyzer tests for bus drivers, with contractors of hired school buses responsible for police verification and breath analyzer tests.
This directive stems from the court’s suo motu cognizance of a reported sexual assault on a 3-year-old in a South Delhi school.
The court is set to revisit the matter on April 18, 2024.
The suo motu PIL, titled “COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION v. GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI,” highlights the court’s proactive stance on safeguarding the well-being of students.
