High Court Decries Corporal Punishment in Schools

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled against corporal punishment in schools, dismissing a petition by a teacher accused of abetting a student's suicide. The teacher, Sister Mercy, allegedly abetted the Class VI student's suicide. The court emphasized that corporal punishment violates the child's right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has strongly condemned the use of corporal punishment in schools, asserting that such practices are inconsistent with the constitutional right to life. The court dismissed a petition filed by a female teacher accused of abetting a student's suicide.

An FIR was filed against Sister Mercy, also known as Elizabeth Jose, a teacher at Carmel Convent School, following the suicide of a Class VI student in Ambikapur. The court remarked that corporal punishment is cruel and dehumanizes children.

Dismissing the petition, the court upheld the chargesheet and FIR, emphasizing the need for evidence to substantiate the teacher's defense. The accused's conduct reportedly caused severe mental trauma among students.