Install CCTVs in schools to check crimes against women, says Bombay HC

Mumbai: Terming as 'disturbing' the recent incident of a nine-year-old girl being sexually assaulted in her school in Dadar here, the Bombay High Court on Monday suggested installation of CCTVs in all schools.

A division bench of justices N H Patil and A A Sayed sought to know from Maharashtra government's education department what steps it has taken and will take to ensure such incidents do not occur in future.

The bench, which was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations on the issue of women safety in the city, was today informed about the incident of a nine-year-old girl sexually assaulted in the washroom of a Dadar school by a 19-year-old contract employee on January 8.

"This is very disturbing. Parents send their kids to school in a faith that the school authorities and teachers will take care of them. What steps is the education department planning to take to ensure that such incidents do not occur. Periodical vigilance is required," the court said.

"CCTVs should be installed inside school premises. Make it mandatory at least for those schools which receive grant from the government," the court suggested.

The court has posted the petitions for further hearing on January 22 and directed the state government to file a short affidavit.