The Bombay High Court on Monday emphasized the need for a fast-tracked and expeditious trial in last year’s Badlapur school sexual assault case, citing the very young age of the victims.
In August of the previous year, two girls, aged four and five, were sexually assaulted by a male attendant in the toilet of their school in Badlapur, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district. The accused was arrested but later killed in a police shootout while being transported from jail for questioning.
Following the incident, the Maharashtra government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The SIT has since completed its investigation and filed a chargesheet. The chargesheet names the male attendant, the school’s headmaster, and two members of the management for their alleged failure to report the sexual assault, as required under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The High Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the case after it was revealed that the local Badlapur police failed to promptly file an FIR. On Monday, during a hearing before a bench of Justices, Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale, public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar informed the court that the investigation had concluded, and the chargesheet had been filed. He added that the trial process would soon commence.
The court stressed the importance of fast-tracking the trial to ensure justice is served promptly. “The trial must be conducted expeditiously, as the victims are very young,” the bench remarked. It further directed that, by the POCSO Act, a woman prosecutor must be present during the examination of the victims. Venegaonkar confirmed that a female prosecutor had been appointed to assist the special public prosecutor handling the case.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 20, instructing the prosecution to update it on the trial’s progress by then.
In addition to addressing the case, the High Court last year ordered the formation of a committee of experts to evaluate and enhance child safety measures in schools and educational institutions. During Monday’s hearing, Venegaonkar informed the court that the committee had not yet submitted its report. The bench directed that, if the report is ready by the next hearing, it should be presented to the court.
On a related note, the Maharashtra government has implemented a policy ensuring free education for the two victim girls up to Class 8. Venegaonkar revealed that a proposal is under consideration to extend this benefit to include Classes 9 and 10.
Meanwhile, the High Court is also set to hear a petition filed by the father of the deceased attendant. The petitioner has alleged that his son was killed in a fake police encounter. This matter will also be taken up during the January 20 hearing.
The incident has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in schools and for ensuring accountability in cases of negligence involving child safety.