Madras HC orders Tamil Nadu Govt to enforce Anti-Corporal Punishment Guidelines in schools

Chennai: The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to implement the Guidelines for Elimination of Corporal Punishment in Schools (GECP), as prescribed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). This decision came during a case brought by Kamatchi Shanker Arumugam.

Justice SM Subramaniam cited Section 17(1) of the Rights of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 and stated that corporal punishment is inadmissible. The directive, issued by the Principal Secretary of the School Education Department, mandates sharing the guidelines with all schools and District Educational Authorities in Tamil Nadu. They also must hold events to raise awareness and take complaints seriously. Non-compliance can lead to officials facing disciplinary action under Service Rules.

The ruling also extends to addressing any form of indirect harassment or situations damaging to children’s mental well-being. The court stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for children where their needs are respected.

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