The submission was made before a bench of Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice PB Balaji who heard a public interest litigation which calls for a CBI inquiry into the alleged sexual assault and harassment of students at a Fake NCC camp in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district.

Advocate General PS Raman, appearing for the state, informed the court that a procedure similar to that adopted in other departments like Police, Justice etc. would be adopted by verifying the declaration of the candidates regarding their involvement in criminal cases. He also informed the court that the state will take necessary decisions and issue appropriate orders in this regard, which will be submitted to the court. In its order, the court said:

“He (Raman) also assured before this court that the appointment of Middle School Teachers, PG Assistants or any other posts in Government Schools and Government Aided Institutions will be done only after considering their antecedents and will follow the process adopted in the other departments. such as Police Personnel, Judicial Officers, Law Officers and lawyers, by verifying the declaration of candidates regarding their involvement in criminal cases. He further submitted that in this regard, the necessary decision will be taken by the government and appropriate orders will be given and the same will be submitted to this court in the next meeting”.

The proposal was made after the court suggested introducing a background check system for teachers. The petitioner informed the court that cases of teachers abusing children are also on the rise and requested the court to look into them and give appropriate directions.

The AG also informed the court that the Government has taken steps to ensure the safety and welfare of students by setting up an Advisory Committee, keeping complaint boxes in schools and printing helpline numbers on textbooks. He added that the principals and joint principals of the Directorate of School Education are to be appointed as District Monitoring Officers, who will oversee the implementation of safety measures.

The court was also evaluated on the report submitted by the president of the District Legal Services Authority following the inspection and its interaction with the teachers, parents and student victims of the three schools related to the case. On reviewing the reports, the court noted that further interaction was required and deemed it fit to appoint Sumathi Sai Priya, former Principal District Judge of Krishnagiri, who was now posted as Deputy Registrar, IT cum Statistics, along with PT Jenefer, Additional Subordinate Judge, Krishnagiri to further interact with teachers, parents and students.

The court directed the two judges to visit the schools and submit a report on the allegations leveled against prime accused Sivaraman and collect more information from the Students, who attended the ‘fake NCC camp’ organized by Sivaraman. The court also directed that a copy of the order be provided to the Principal District Judge, Krishnagiri, so that his officers can be deputed to accompany the judges during their inspection.

The matter is further listed on November 20.

Case Title: AP Suryaprakasam v State

Case no: WP 25034 of 2024