Badlapur sexual exploitation: SC directs all states to implement order by 2021

A case of sexual harassment of minors was heard in the Supreme Court in Badlapur, Maharashtra. In the hearing, the Supreme Court directed to provide a copy of the order passed in the Bachban Bachao Andolan case to all state chief secretaries. In this decision, the responsibility of schools has been determined and measures for safety and security have also been recommended. The Supreme Court said that all states should implement the guidelines of its order. Lawyers from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Central Government appeared in today's hearing. Allowing the hearing on the present petition, the Supreme Court said that the plea in the petition should be amended as earlier the court had issued guidelines which the Central and State Governments must implement in such matter. The court directed that a copy of the order for the year 2021 be sent to all state chief secretaries immediately. The Supreme Court also said that the NCPCR will monitor the implementation of its guidelines and all states and Union Territories will submit a report to the NCPCR regarding the implementation of the guidelines. The guidelines given by the Supreme Court in the Bachpan Bachao Andolan case, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act aims to ensure clear accountability of school management in government, government-aided and private schools. They focus on prevention education, reporting procedures, legal provisions, support services, and promoting a safe and positive learning environment. In Thane's Badlapur, the incident of sexual assault of minor girls came to light last month. Enraged by the incident, people protested at Thane station. There was also massive vandalism and stone pelting. Regarding the incident, the family alleged that the girl child was not safe in the school. Enraged by this, the parents have demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and severe punishment. In this matter, after the government assured them, the angry parents gave up their protest.