School Coordinator gets HC Relief

Justice Juvaadi Sreedevi of the Telangana High Court quashed criminal proceedings against a school coordinator accused of ill-treating a five-year-old student by keeping the child outside the classroom and denying access to drinking water and washroom facilities over non-payment of fees.

The judge allowed a criminal petition filed by Peri Annapurna, Coordinator of Nursery to Class II at DAV Public School, Safilguda, challenging proceedings under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

The complaint alleged that the coordinator kept a UKG student outside the classroom for two hours and denied access to basic facilities despite repeated requests.

The petitioner argued that her designation did not establish that she exercised actual charge or control over the child, as required under the Act. She also pointed out that an internal committee constituted by the school had not verified the allegations. Merely holding a senior management position, she contended, could not attract criminal liability.

Opposing the petition, the complainant cited judgments concerning disciplinary action against students.

Allowing the petition, the judge observed that the material on record did not establish that the petitioner exercised actual charge or control over the child. Merely holding the designation of coordinator did not fulfil this legal requirement. The judge also noted the absence of independent witnesses or school staff examined during the investigation and quashed the criminal proceedings.