Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay HC Slams Maharashtra Govt For Delay In Child Safety Measures

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Maharashtra government for its failure to act on recommendations made by a high-level committee on the safety and security of children in schools. The committee was formed after the shocking sexual assault of two minor girls in a school in Badlapur in August last year.

The court expressed serious concern over the delay in issuing Government Resolutions (GRs) based on the panel’s report, which was submitted to the High Court and later forwarded to the state in February.

A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale asked the state whether it was serious about preventing such incidents. “How long does it take? You (government) will exhibit your sensitivity for what purpose if not this? This is something that will impact all schools. If you care about sexual exploitation then you will work day and night for this,” the court said.

The bench urged the state to show urgency and sensitivity on the issue. “The idea is to prevent such incidents and ensure that it does not happen ever again. Is the government serious?” it added, warning against complacency in such matters.

The court was hearing a suo motu (on its own) petition it had initiated after the assault on two girls by a male school attendant. While the accused was arrested, he was later killed in an alleged police encounter in September 2024.

Following public outrage and protests, including a rail blockade in Badlapur over police and school inaction, the state government formed a committee on August 23. The High Court later expanded it to include two retired HC judges and other experts.

On Wednesday, additional public prosecutor Prajakta Shinde told the court that the recommendations still needed to be routed through multiple departments.

However, the bench was not satisfied with the explanation and insisted that a consolidated GR be issued immediately. The court has scheduled the matter for hearing on April 28.

The committee was tasked with reviewing all existing government resolutions, circulars, and guidelines related to child safety in schools, their surroundings, and during transportation. It was also asked to suggest ways to improve implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant laws.

The committee’s recommendations include mandatory CCTV surveillance on school premises, thorough character verification of all staff, schools taking responsibility for student transportation, and sensitisation of children about “good touch” and “bad touch”. It also advised raising awareness on cyber crimes and displaying the toll-free child helpline number ‘1098’ prominently in schools.