Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Maharashtra Government Unveils New Guidelines For Improved Child Safety In Schools

Mumbai: After the sexual assault of two underage girls at a Badlapur school last year, the Maharashtra government on Monday presented draft guidelines intended to enhance child safety in schools throughout the state.

Public prosecutor Prajakta Shinde, presenting the draft resolution, informed the court that although the guidelines include general safety protocols for schools throughout Maharashtra, distinct comprehensive policies for Anganwadis and Ashram Schools are still in development and will necessitate separate approval.

The Badlapur sexual assault case, revealed in August last year, involved claims of sexual abuse directed at two young schoolgirls by staff members, igniting public fury and triggering immediate demands for fundamental changes in school safety measures. Recognising the incident, the Bombay high court had suo motu commenced proceedings and ordered the establishment of an 18-member expert committee to recommend specific safety measures.

On Monday, the court designated advocate Rebecca Gonsalves as Amicus Curiae (a neutral advisor to a court) to examine the draft and verify that the committee’s recommendations have been entirely included.

“We hereby appoint you as the amicus. Your task is to review all previous government resolutions and the new draft to ensure comprehensive coverage of child safety across schools in the state,” the division bench comprising justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr Neela Gokhale told Gonsalves during the hearing.

Public prosecutor Prajakta Shinde, presenting the draft resolution, informed the court that although the guidelines encompass general safety protocols for schools throughout Maharashtra, distinct comprehensive policies for Anganwadis and Ashram Schools are still being developed and will need separate approval.

The committee’s extensive suggestions, including thorough staff background investigations, improved transport safety protocols, extensive campus monitoring, and teacher development initiatives, serve as the foundation of the proposed policy. The High Court will examine the guidelines further upon receiving the report from the amicus.

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