The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken cognisance of allegations made by Class 12 students of Government Senior Secondary School, Sanoli Khurd, Block Bapoli of Panipat, against the school administration for allegedly abusing and humiliating them.
The order, passed by HHRC chairperson justice Lalit Batra, sought detailed action-taken reports from director general (DG) of the secondary education, Panipat deputy commissioner (DC), Panipat district education officer and others.
The order stems from multiple complaints filed by the students, alleging that the school principal has allegedly subjected them to abusive, humiliating and derogatory treatment, including the use of offensive language and insulting names.
The students alleged that they were threatened of their names being struck off from school roll and were compelled to remain outside the classroom.
According to the complaints, the classroom allotted to Class 12-B has remained locked for the past two to three months, forcing the students to sit outside of their classroom.
“Serious allegations have also been raised regarding the basic infrastructure of the school. According to the students, there is no electricity in the classrooms, electrical wires hang exposed from the ceiling, adequate desks and benches are unavailable, and fans are not permitted to operate despite the extreme summer conditions,” the HHRC said.
The students alleged that the school lacks adequate and functional toilets, compelling them—particularly girls—to defecate in the open, which gravely affects their dignity, health, and privacy.
{{/usCountry}}The students alleged that the school lacks adequate and functional toilets, compelling them—particularly girls—to defecate in the open, which gravely affects their dignity, health, and privacy.
{{/usCountry}}“The students also alleged the principal’s irregular attendance during school hours and claimed that the principal is collecting money from them in the name of repairing the school walls,” the commission said.
The HHRC observed that the photographs annexed to the complaint prima facie indicate deficiencies in the school’s infrastructure and unsafe electrical conditions. Therefore, the commission considered an independent and impartial verification of the allegations necessary.
The commission said that if the allegations are found to be true, they would amount to a serious violation of the rights of children to dignity, education, safety, health, sanitation and protection from degrading treatment.
Referring to the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, the commission observed that schools are required to provide the minimum infrastructure and facilities prescribed under law.
The HHRC observed that education is an integral component of the right to life and human dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
All the concerned authorities have been directed to submit their reports before the commission at least one week prior to the next date of hearing scheduled for October 7, 2026.