HHRC order follows incident involving Class III student in Nuh; seeks compliance report by July 30
The commission noted that CCTV cameras in buses can help monitor activities and prevent misconduct or negligence
Gurgaon: CCTV cameras are a must for school buses across the state. Taking a serious view of lapses found in a case related to a private school in Nuh district, Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has directed authorities across the state to ensure installation and proper functioning of CCTV cameras in all school buses.The panel has asked for compliance reports before the next hearing scheduled for July 30. The commission issued these directions during the hearing of a suo motu case linked to an incident involving a Class III student at Prabhat Senior Secondary School in Chhachhera village.Referring to the state govt’s Surakshit School Vahan Policy, HHRC highlighted that student safety is a joint responsibility of institutions and authorities, “extending beyond classrooms to school transport”. The commission noted that CCTV cameras in buses can help monitor activities and prevent misconduct or negligence.The bench, headed by chairperson Justice Lalit Batra along with members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, noted major contradictions in reports submitted by the Nuh district education officer and the school management regarding CCTV installation and monitoring. As per the inspection report, only two buses were found on the school premises, of which one had no CCTV camera, while the other had a camera whose functionality and recording status could not be confirmed, whereas the school claimed all six buses were equipped with CCTV and recordings were being preserved.Taking note of these discrepancies, the commission ordered a fresh inspection and directed officials to verify the number of buses and the actual status of CCTV cameras in buses, classrooms and other key areas.The case stems from the incident involving the seven-year-old girl student. According to allegations, on Aug 14, 2025, the child was subjected to brutal corporal punishment by a teacher for failing to solve a question on the blackboard. She was allegedly beaten up with a stick, causing injuries to her neck, back and other sensitive parts of the body.The situation escalated when the victim’s father approached the school management to protest but was reportedly misbehaved with, and no proper action was taken by the school. It was further alleged that even after a written complaint was submitted to the police, timely action was not initiated against the teacher or the school authorities.Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the commission observed that the case indicated a grave violation of the human rights of a minor child, along with negligence by the school management and inaction by local police.During the hearing, the Nuh superintendent of police joined through video conference, and the commission expressed dissatisfaction over both the injuries suffered by the child and the police response, directing that the matter be re-examined and a detailed action taken report be submitted. Emphasising child safety, the commission said that schools must ensure a safe and supportive environment, and any form of corporal punishment violates the right to education and dignity.It also reiterated that installation and monitoring of CCTV cameras in school vehicles is mandatory and directed district and sub-divisional committees, including administrative, police, education and transport officials, to carry out regular inspections of school buses, ensure cameras are functional, recordings are preserved, and submit the report.
