Consider putting up CCTVs in schools to prevent rapes: Bombay High Court to Maharashtra government

The Bombay High Court on Monday suggested to the state government to direct schools to have CCTV cameras inside school premises, adding that if its an aided school, then the government should make budget allocation in the grant allowed to the schools.

A division bench of justices Naresh Patil and AA Sayyed said, "The state should take instructions with respect to installation of CCTV cameras and what directions for safety have been given to schools and whether any more instruction would be given."

The court made the suggestion after amicus curiae Madhav Jamdar informed the court about the sexual harassment of a minor girl in a Dadar school.

A Std V student was allegedly raped by a 20-year-old canteen attendant within the school premises last week. The Shivaji Park police investigating the case arrested the accused based on the complaint filed by victim's parents.

On Friday night, the school was celebrating its annual day; it was then that the accused lured the victim to a secluded corner of the school and allegedly forced himself on her. The police charged the accused with rape under the Indian Penal Code and for sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

The bench said, "It is disturbing, there may be a fear in the minds of children and parents."

The court made this suggestion while hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO Help Mumbai Foundation, highlighting the lack of safety measures for women in city and railways.