Section 17 of The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
- (1)No child shall be subjected to physical punishment or mental harassment.
- (2)Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be liable to disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to such person.
Summary
- No child studying in a school is allowed to be subjected to physical punishment under any circumstances.
- The law strictly bans any form of mental harassment, which means emotional abuse or public humiliation directed at a student.
- Any school employee who subjects a child to physical or mental harm will face disciplinary action.
- The discipline of staff members must be carried out in accordance with the service rules that apply to them.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Does the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, Section 17, permit teachers to slap children for bad behaviour?
No, Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, completely bans all physical punishment, meaning any hitting or physical force is strictly illegal.
2. What happens to a school staff member who verbally abuses or embarrasses a student under Section 17 of the Right to Education Act, 2009?
Under Section 17 of the Right to Education Act, 2009, verbal abuse that causes mental distress is considered mental harassment, and any person who commits it is liable to disciplinary action under their service rules.
3. What action can be taken against a principal who violates the safety rules in Section 17 of the children's education law of 2009?
Under Section 17 of the children's education law of 2009, any person who subjects a child to physical punishment or mental harassment is liable to disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to them.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which of the following is completely prohibited in schools?
Q2.Under Section 17 of the Right to Education Act, 2009, if a teacher beats a child, what action must be taken against the teacher?
Q3.Under Section 17 of the 2009 Free and Compulsory Education Act, which forms of mistreatment are explicitly banned?
Q4.Under Section 17 of the children's education law of 2009, which legal framework governs the consequences for a staff member who mistreats a child?