A playschool in Kandivali, Mumbai has been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons. Two women teachers at the institution have been accused of committing cruel and brutal acts with small kids aged between two and four years, leaving the children in depression and not ready to go to school. A detailed report regarding the same was published in the Free Press Journal.
About the Cruel Act
The incident came to light when the parents of a child noticed a change in their child's behavior. The child had become aggressive and did not want to go to school. After discussing the issue with other parents, it was found that other children who attended the playschool also behaved similarly.
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The FIR and Court Decision
The parents subsequently lodged an FIR, and the police investigated the matter. Based on the CCTV footage from the playschool, the police booked both teachers under section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which deals with persons having control over a child and assaulting or abusing them. The teachers then sought protection from arrest, which was denied by the sessions court in Dindoshi. The court referred to the contents of the FIR, which indicated that the accused had committed cruel and brutal acts with small children.
Judge NL Kale called the act heinous and against society and stated that discretion was not in their favor, hence their plea deserved to be rejected. The court also found the allegations trustworthy, referring to the CCTV footage, which showed that the teachers used to beat the children.
Child Protection Laws in India
The case highlights the importance of child protection laws in India. The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, aims to provide care, protection, and rehabilitation to children in need of care and protection. It defines a child as any person below the age of eighteen years. The act includes provisions for the prevention of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect, and for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of victims. Additionally, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, seeks to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The act defines sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography involving children and provides for stringent punishment to offenders.
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This case highlights the need for stricter enforcement of child protection laws in India. Authorities state that parents and caregivers must be vigilant and report any incidents of child abuse or neglect to the authorities. Meanwhile, the government must also ensure that institutions catering to children, such as playschools, are properly regulated and adhere to safety guidelines.
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