Human rights panel orders probe into Gurugram school racial abuse case

Taking cognisance of a case involving alleged racial bullying and physical assault of a minor at a government school in Gurugram, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has ordered an independent inquiry, calling it a “failure of institutional sensitivity in the education system.

“The case pertains to a student of Government Model Sanskriti Primary School in Sushant Lok C-2, Sector-43, Gurugram, who was reportedly subjected to sustained racial abuse over 20 days. Despite repeated complaints to class teacher Seema Saroha, no action was allegedly taken. The situation worsened on December 19, 2024, when the child was physically assaulted, resulting in an injury to the left eye.

According to the complainant, the school principal was unavailable at the time, and acting principal Poonam refused to intervene or provide the principal’s contact details. When approached, the local police allegedly performed only a cursory visit with no follow-up action.

In his order, Justice Lalit Batra, chairperson of the HHRC, said, “The failure of the school authorities and the local police to act in a timely and meaningful manner indicates prima facie institutional negligence and a serious violation of the child’s rights. Such behaviour raises critical concerns about the safety and inclusivity of educational institutions.”

Justice Batra emphasised the long-term damage such incidents can inflict on a child’s mental and physical well-being and called for “swift, corrective, and preventive measures.”

The Commission has directed the SHO of the local police station to file a status report through the Commissioner of Police, Gurugram. Both teacher Seema Saroha and acting principal Poonam have also been asked to submit written responses.

The Director of Elementary Education, Haryana, has been tasked with ensuring compliance. The next hearing is scheduled for July 30.

Haryana Tribune