Delhi HC Upholds 5-Year Jail Term for Teacher in School Sexual Assault Case

The Delhi High Court has upheld the five-year imprisonment of a school drawing teacher for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl student on school premises, observing that educational institutions must encourage children to speak out about any conduct that causes them fear or insecurity.

Dismissing the teacher's appeal against a trial court conviction, Justice Madhu Jain observed that a child reposes sacred trust and confidence in a teacher. The court noted that this relationship carries a corresponding duty to protect the minor rather than abuse or breach that trust.

Justice Jain stated in the verdict that abusing such a position, especially against a young girl of an age comparable to the teacher's own daughter, represents a matter of grave concern that cannot be treated as a mere breach of discipline or propriety.

The case stems from an FIR registered against the drawing teacher in August 2016. According to the case details, the teacher had subjected the 12-year-old student to inappropriate conduct within the school premises on multiple occasions before the matter was reported.

The High Court also addressed the role of the school principal, who was named as a co-accused in the matter. The court described the principal's conduct as disturbing, noting that the school head had allegedly told the young student that such incidents should not be disclosed to her parents.