Karnataka HC rejects school teacher’s plea to quash POCSO case over filming of girl students
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka High Court has declined to quash a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against a school teacher accused of recording videos of girl students while they were changing clothes.
The accused, employed at a residential school for children from backward communities in Kolar district, is facing charges of sexual harassment under the POCSO Act.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, in a recent ruling, described the teacher’s actions as “horrendous” and highlighted the severity of the charges.
The teacher was arrested in December 2023 after authorities discovered he had allegedly used mobile phones to secretly record the students.
"What is deeply concerning is that the petitioner was found with five different mobile phones, all of which were seized and sent for forensic examination," the court observed. "Each device contained approximately 1,000 images and several hundred videos."
The teacher approached the court, arguing that his actions did not constitute sexual harassment under the POCSO Act.
The High Court rejected this claim, asserting that filming children in such a manner clearly falls under the definition of sexual harassment as outlined in the Act.
"Section 11 of the POCSO Act specifies that anyone who causes a child to expose their body in a way that can be viewed by others, or makes any inappropriate gesture, is committing sexual harassment," the court noted. "Such behaviour is punishable under Section 12."
Justice Nagaprasanna further explained that the accusations against the teacher align with the legal definitions of sexual harassment, making it impossible to dismiss the case at this stage.
"The evidence presented, including the complaint, the teacher’s statements during the investigation, and the forensic report, clearly establish a prima facie case," the court said.
The case was initiated after a complaint was lodged via a helpline operated by the state social welfare department, which oversees such residential schools.
The court emphasised that the teacher must face trial, concluding that allowing the petition at this stage would be tantamount to condoning his actions.
"The fact that the petitioner is a teacher makes this offence particularly reprehensible," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked. "The alleged actions are not just illegal, they are morally indefensible." The court ruled that the teacher must face a full trial.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Beauty of democracy: Tharoor congratulates BJP on civic body poll win in his constituency
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday, while lauding the win of the UDF in Kerala local bodies elections, also congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency, calling it the "beauty of democracy".
In a post on X, he said the people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in his constituency.
"What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.
"A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020," Tharoor said.
He said he also acknowledges the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and "offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city corporation - a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape."
Tharoor said he campaigned for a change from 45 years of the LDF "misrule", but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.
"That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency.
"We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!" Tharoor, who is the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said.
The lotus bloomed in the state capital as the BJP-led NDA achieved a resounding win in the polls for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, snatching it from the CPI(M)-led LDF and marking an end to 45 years of continuous Left rule in the local body.
The win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will act as a boost for the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, especially in the state capital.
Of the 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two wards were won by independent candidates.
The BJP is one seat short of a decisive majority in the corporation.
Besides this, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with the Congress-led UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.
In Thrissur, from where Suresh Gopi won in the Lok Sabha polls last year, the BJP won 18 out of the 46 wards in Kodungallur Municipality, eight in Thrissur Corporation, two each in Guruvayoor and Vadakkancherry municipalities, seven in Kunnamkulam Municipality, six in Irinjalakuda Municipality and one in Chalakudy Municipality.
