NHRC issues notice to Delhi authorities over complaint of mental harassment at Lutyens’ school

The National Human Rights Commission has asked central Delhi authorities to examine allegations of serious misconduct at a Lutyens’ Delhi school after a Class 10 student reportedly died by suicide.

The notice was sent to the district magistrate and the deputy commissioner of police, directing them to review the claims and provide an action taken report within 10 days.

According to officials, the police registered an FIR under charges related to abetment to suicide after the student allegedly jumped from the Rajendra Place Metro Station a day earlier.

The complaint before the Commission said that the student faced “continuous mental harassment and discriminatory treatment by teachers,” creating a situation that had become unbearable.

The complainant said the student had been "mocked, humiliated, and threatened" by multiple teachers, including the principal, resulting in what was described as an "environment of fear and trauma."

The submission also noted that former students and parents had raised similar concerns in the past, citing experiences of segregation, negative comparisons, and long-lasting emotional harm.

These warnings were reportedly not addressed, and the complaint claimed that the school did not provide counselling or implement child-protection measures.

The NHRC observed that the allegations suggest possible violations of the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015 and the Right to Education Act of 2009, along with breaches of established child safety norms.

The petitioner has called for an independent investigation, disciplinary action against those responsible, and strict enforcement of child-protection protocols at the school.

The Commission, led by member Priyank Kanoongo, took up the case 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,” the proceedings stated.