Meghalaya school accused of barring student from exam after FIR against teacher; activist alleges retaliation

A major controversy has surfaced at Ascension Secondary School in Dumnikura, South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, after a Class IX student was allegedly denied entry to his examination hall following the registration of an FIR against a teacher accused of corporal punishment.

 

In a strongly-worded representation submitted to the school management, social activist and Constitutional Rights Forum (CRF) president Greneth M. Sangma alleged that student Bretwil N. Marak was prevented from appearing in his scheduled examination on June 16 on the grounds that he was “under a case.”

 

According to the complaint, the incident stems from an earlier episode in which a cigarette lighter was reportedly recovered during a school check. The student allegedly named other students during the inquiry, following which he was allegedly assaulted by fellow students. The complaint further alleges that teacher Aloysius M. Sangma physically assaulted the student, repeatedly punching him on the chest and back.

 

The student's parents subsequently lodged an FIR against the teacher, alleging corporal punishment and physical assault. The activist claimed that the school's decision to bar the student from the examination was a retaliatory measure aimed at pressuring the family following the filing of the police case.

 

Sangma argued that denying a student access to examinations violates provisions of the Right to Education Act, 2009, which prohibits physical punishment and protects a child's right to education. He further alleged that the action amounted to victimisation and harassment of a minor.

 

The representation demanded the immediate restoration of the student's examination rights, including arrangements for any missed examinations, and called for the suspension of the accused teacher pending the outcome of the police investigation.

 

Copies of the complaint have reportedly been forwarded to the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), the Superintendent of Police, South Garo Hills, the District School Education Officer, and other authorities seeking urgent intervention.

 

The school management had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report. The matter is currently under investigation.