Gurgaon: Two days after 27 female students of Class IX of Govt Girls Senior Secondary School in Jacobpura accused a teacher of making innuendos, using inappropriate gestures and threatening them with academic consequences for raising objections, Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (HSCPCR) has directed the school principal to appear at a hearing scheduled on May 14.The commission took suo motu cognisance of the matter following media reports. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, it noted that the allegations prima facie attract the stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.The principal has been asked to produce a comprehensive set of documents, including the school complaint register, details of any internal inquiries conducted so far and records of the school management committee and the child protection committee.In a notice issued on Tuesday, the panel has demanded transparency regarding any communication made to higher authorities and the specific steps taken by the school administration since the matter came to light. A key concern for the commission is the well-being of the minors; the notice explicitly warns the school authorities to ensure that no pressure or intimidation is exerted upon any child involved in the case. Officials stated that failure to comply with these directives or any attempt to suppress the investigation would invite appropriate legal action.The issue surfaced after students collectively submitted handwritten complaints to the school administration seeking action. However, they alleged that despite receiving multiple complaints, the matter was not addressed promptly.The school principal had denied receiving any formal complaint. In a brief response, the school management stated that the teacher was mentally unwell, though the education department has not directly accepted the explanation. The department officials said no conclusion has been reached yet, and the case is being examined from all angles.Following the complaint, block education officer Rakesh Sharma said the teacher has been transferred from the school to the block education office. He has been barred from attending the school premises and will function from the office until the investigation is complete. Officials said the department is closely monitoring the case and a series of meetings is being held at the district level to review developments.Students said the first written complaint was submitted to the school principal, Sushil Kumar, on April 24. Multiple students individually documented their concerns, alleging that the teacher was having unnecessary, objectionable conversations with them and pressuring them to ignore textbooks to focus solely on his remarks. They claimed that any resistance on their side was met with threats of deducting marks or even failing them in that subject. They accused him of creating an atmosphere of fear and distress in the classroom. Sources said several students broke down while recounting their experiences during questioning.
