The Bombay High Court has emphasised that there can be no compromise on the safety and security of girls, terming the sexual assault of two kindergarten girls inside their school premises at Badlapur as 'absolutely shocking' on Thursday.
The court further said that action should be initiated against the school authorities as well under the stringent POCSO Act, for failing to report the incidents to police despite being aware about it. The HC had taken suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the sexual assault on minor girls on August 12 and 13 in the washroom of the school by a male attendant who was hired on contractual basis on August 1. The FIR in the case was registered only on August 16.
The court observed that the police machinery had not moved till the public came on streets. On August 20, people had protested on the streets and staged a rail blockade after police and the school failed to act against the culprit. "Unless there is strong public outburst, machinery will not move. Won't the state move till public outbursts like this?" asked a bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday.
The judges said they were appalled to learn that Badlapur police had not probed the case. "Such serious matters where girls as young as three and four years old have been sexually assaulted... How can the police take it so lightly?" the judges questioned. "If schools are not a safe place what is a child supposed to do? What did a three- and four year-child do? This is absolutely shocking," it added.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Shooting pain
Prateik Babbar opens up about his latest short film Beinteha
Netflix denies producer's claims
Netflix reacts to Vashu Bhagnani's Claims of non-payment of dues
Baig's brace bags the game for Rangers
Kalina Rangers-CFF outclassed Mumbai Customs 3-1 at the Nadim's MFA Harwood Champions League played at Cooperage football ground here on Wednesday.
Man City too hot for Watford
LEAGUE CUP | City's 2nd-tier team wins 2-1; Nkunku nets hat-trick for Chelsea
BMC officer finishes 'Ironman' triathlon
Mumbai civic body's deputy commissioner Vishwas Mote has successfully completed the 'Ironman Italy Emilia Romagna' triathlon and expressed hope that his achievement will inspire others also to focus on fitness, officials said.
NADA sends notice to wrestler Vinesh
The anti doping agency has sought whereabouts failure explanation
Brook hits century in England's 46-run win
England captain Harry Brook struck his first one-day international century before his team clinched a 46-run win by the DLS method to keep alive the series against Australia.
GM Erigaisi conquers pressure through detachment
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has revealed that he once felt bogged down by the weight of his own expectations, a phase that led to several lows, but by detaching himself from the outcome of his matches, he has finally discovered the path to success.
Rohit is a supportive captain: Akash Deep
The pacer credits Indian Test skipper for his seamless transition from domestic to international cricket
‘Shakib is eligible for selection’
Coach Hathurusinghe allays fitness concerns owing to an injury that he picked up in the opening game