Delhi High Court Sets Stringent Guidelines for School Safety Inspection Committee

The Delhi High Court has issued stringent guidelines for the court-appointed Child Safety Monitoring Committee responsible for inspecting schools in the national capital, with a focus on ensuring minimum standards of school safety. In response to a reported sexual assault on a three-year-old in a Delhi school, the three-member Committee, led by Chairperson Dr. R.M. Sharma, has been directed to inspect schools collectively, with the Chairperson leading the proceedings.

Exceptionally, a member may inspect independently under the Chairperson’s permission, with findings reported for approval. Dissatisfaction may prompt the Chairperson to re-inspect and prepare a fresh report. The Chairperson’s decision will be final, with the other two members offering suggestions without direct interaction with school authorities.

Transparency is emphasized through the photography of inspection areas, including classrooms and toilets. The school must provide police verification of guards, especially near female children’s toilets, with potential suspension until verification is completed. Additionally, regular breathalyzer tests for bus drivers are mandated, and in cases of contracted buses, the contractor assumes responsibility for police verification and breathalyzer tests.