Corporal punishment in Chhattisgarh school: Legal services authority takes cognizance, orders necessary action

RAIPUR: The Executive Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority (CGSLSA), Justice Goutam Bhaduri,has taken notes to the reports of brutal corporal punishment inflicted on 25 school children in Kondagaon district, Chhattisgarh. Instructing immediate action, Justice Bhaduri has directed the CGSLSA's Member Secretary, Anand Prakash Wariyal, to take necessary measures in the wake of this alarming incident.


The incident occurred at Kerwahi Secondary School in the Makdi development block of Kondagaon district, within the tribal Bastar region. Allegedly, students were subjected to burn injuries caused by hot oil poured on their hands as punishment, administered by their teachers for a perceived minor offense related to the use of school premises. The headmistress and two teachers have been suspended pending a thorough investigation.

Responding to the gravity of the situation, CGSLSA has directed the Chairman of DLSA/District Judge Kondagaon to provide legal aid to the affected children and pursue compensation under existing government schemes. In the event that initial allegations are substantiated, legal assistance will be extended to help the children seek redress against the accused school officials in accordance with the law.

To prevent future incidents of corporal punishment, CGSLSA has instructed all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to conduct awareness campaigns within schools and educational institutions. The campaigns will involve Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), District Judiciary Judges, and aim to sensitize school teachers about the laws concerning corporal punishment.

Notably, this proactive response follows Justice Bhaduri's previous intervention in a case of child cruelty, ensuring necessary action in coordination with the District Administration. In that instance, a program manager at an Adoption Center in Kanker was accused of brutally thrashing a child, prompting Justice Bhaduri to take measures to prevent future occurrences through regular visits to Children's Homes, Adoption Centers, and similar institutions.

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