Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra government to actively monitor the implementation of a Government Resolution (GR) aimed at enhancing child safety in schools. The GR was issued following the high court taking suo motu (on its own) cognisance last year of the sexual assault of two minor girls in a Badlapur school.
State Told to Physically Verify GR Compliance in Schools
A bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale instructed the state to depute officers to physically visit schools across the state and verify compliance with the GR. It also asked the government to collect data on implementation from all schools and submit a school-wise compliance list.
GR Outlines Mandatory Safety Measures for All Schools
The GR, issued in response to directions from the HC, includes key safety measures such as mandatory CCTV installation on campuses, character verification of staff, accountability for student transportation, and education on distinguishing between good and bad touch. It also recommends awareness of cyberbullying and displaying the toll-free child helpline number ‘1098’ prominently on school premises.
Court Orders Upload of GR on Education Department Website
Amicus curiae (friend of the court) advocate Rebecca Gonsalves informed the court that the GR was not yet available on the education website, and was available only on the Maharashtra government’s website. She urged the court to direct the state to make it available on the education department’s website as well.
The bench then directed that the resolution be uploaded on the state’s education department website as well, adding that it must also be communicated to Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs).
Additional Public Prosecutor Prajakta Shinde said that the GR was circulated to all the schools. She assured that it would be uploaded on the education department;s website as well.
The GR was formulated based on recommendations from a state-appointed committee constituted in August 2024 after the Badlapur incident. The committee was later expanded by the court to include retired judges and asked to review all safety-related norms and propose improvements.
GR to Extend Beyond Schools to Other Child-Focused Institutions
The court has also asked the government to ensure that the GR is extended to Aanganwadis, Aashram Shalas, and Juvenile Boards, with appropriate clauses for each institution.
