Justice SR Krishna Kumar ordered an interim directive to the headmaster of a government school in southeast Bengaluru and the jurisdictional police sub-inspector to offer the required protection to the boys, who are studying in class 2 and class 5

The Karnataka High Court intervened to safeguard two juvenile brothers, in order that they could safely attend their final examinations, after a Pocso case filed against their teacher made them so scared that they refused to go to school.

Justice SR Krishna Kumar ordered an interim directive to the headmaster of a government school in southeast Bengaluru and the jurisdictional police sub-inspector to offer the required protection to the boys, who are studying in class 2 and class 5. The court has also permitted their mother to accompany them and stay close to the school premises until their exams end on March 20.

The intervention comes after the parents of the children expressed serious concerns about their safety. The students had previously accused a teacher of isconduct, and a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Even though the accused teacher is on bail, he has lodged a counter-complaint against the parents, and the children have been avoiding school out of fear.

The court decision seeks to ensure that intimidation or distress does not undermine the right to education of the children. Authorities have been directed to do everything possible to guarantee their safety and enable them to sit for their examinations without fear.

In putting the welfare of these young students first, the court has sent a powerful message regarding the protection of minor victims and the preservation of their right to education even in the midst of continuing legal proceedings.