A controversy has erupted at Ascension Secondary School in Dumnikura in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district after a Class IX student was allegedly prevented from appearing for his examination following the registration of a police case against a teacher accused of corporal punishment.
Social activist and Constitutional Rights Forum (CRF) president Greneth M. Sangma submitted a representation to the school authorities alleging that student Bretwil N. Marak was denied entry to the examination hall on June 16 on the grounds that he was “under a case”.
According to the complaint, the issue originated after a cigarette lighter was reportedly found during a school inspection. The student allegedly identified other students during the inquiry, after which he was purportedly assaulted by some fellow students. The representation further alleged that teacher Aloysius M. Sangma physically assaulted the student by repeatedly punching him on the chest and back.
Following the incident, the student’s parents lodged an FIR against the teacher, accusing him of corporal punishment and physical assault. The activist claimed that the subsequent denial of examination access amounted to retaliation and an attempt to exert pressure on the family after the police complaint was filed.
Sangma contended that preventing the student from taking the examination violated provisions of the Right to Education Act, 2009, which safeguards children’s right to education and prohibits physical punishment. He further alleged that the action constituted harassment and victimisation of a minor.
The representation called for the immediate restoration of the student’s examination rights and sought arrangements for him to appear in any missed papers. It also demanded the suspension of the accused teacher pending the outcome of the police investigation.
Copies of the complaint have reportedly been sent to the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), the Superintendent of Police of South Garo Hills, the District School Education Officer and other concerned authorities seeking prompt intervention.
The school management had not issued any official response to the allegations at the time of filing the report, while the matter remains under investigation.
