NHRC Demands Investigation After Delhi Student's Suicide Allegedly Due to School Harassment

An FIR regarding abetment to suicide was registered on Wednesday following the tragic incident.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued formal notices to the district magistrate and deputy commissioner of police in central Delhi after a Class 10 student allegedly took his own life. According to case proceedings, the suicide reportedly resulted from mental harassment and discriminatory treatment by several teachers at a prestigious school in the city.

The NHRC has mandated an inquiry into the allegations presented in the complaint and requested an action taken report within 10 days for their review.

Authorities registered an FIR for abetment to suicide on Wednesday, following the student's death after allegedly jumping from Rajendra Place Metro Station the previous day.

The complainant has alleged that the student faced "continuous mental harassment and discriminatory treatment" from teachers at a well-established school in Lutyens' Delhi. According to the NHRC proceedings, the complaint further states that multiple teachers, including the principal, regularly "mocked, humiliated, and threatened" the student, creating an atmosphere of fear and trauma.

The complaint also mentions that numerous former students and parents have shared similar experiences of mental harassment, segregation, negative comparisons, and lasting trauma at the institution.

According to the NHRC documents, these complaints were reportedly ignored, and the school failed to provide necessary counseling or implement child protection measures. These actions potentially constitute violations of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Right to Education Act, 2009, and established child safety protocols.

The complainant has requested the commission's intervention, calling for an independent investigation, disciplinary action against responsible staff members, and implementation of proper child protection protocols within the school.

The rights panel has indicated that the allegations presented in the complaint appear to constitute violations of the victims' human rights. A commission bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo has taken cognizance of the matter under section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

"The Registry is directed to issue a notice to the DM and the DCP, Central Delhi, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an action taken report within 10 days for perusal of the Commission," the NHRC stated.

Helplines: Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com; TISS iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm). If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.