A CBSE expert committee looking into the expulsion of 14-year-old Ruchika Girhotra from Sacred Heart school, Chandigarh has found the school administration guilty of violating a series of rules.
The panel is set to suggest exemplary action against the school administration, highly placed sources told The Indian Express.
An inquiry against the then school principal, a strict warning, a heavy fine and even disaffiliation from CBSE are some of the decisions likely to be taken against the school for its unwarranted action.
Fourteen-year-old Ruchika Girhotra was expelled from Sacred Heart school for “nonpayment of fees” in 1990. The move had came soon after Girhotra had lodged a police complaint against SPS Rathore for molesting her.
The CBSE had issued a showcause notice to the school on January 28, 2010, asking why the affiliation of the school should not be withdrawn for its arbitrary expulsion of Ruchika.
The CBSE had said in the showcause notice that the school's acts were in contravention of CBSE rules, which prescribe for “judicious discharging of duty by the head of the institution in granting admission to a child without distinction and suggest exemplary action against the school administration, sources told The Indian Express.
The expert committee comprising legal experts, educationists and CBSE officials was constituted after the school replied to a showcause notice. Ample time was given to the school to respond.
The expert committee, which went into the details of the case and also the version of the school administration on why it expelled Ruchika Girhotra, has mentioned in its report that the school violated affiliation rules in the process of expulsion.
It is an unprecedented situation before the CBSE and strict action is likely to be taken. While disaffiliating the school from CBSE is also under consideration, the fact that it will inadvertently affect the future of enrolled students is a matter of concern. However, an inquiry may be set up against the Principal and a fine is also likely to be imposed on the school,” said a source.
“The school's acts also amount to violation of Rule 42.1 (xi) and Rule 42.2 of the Affiliation Bye-laws of CBSE, which prescribe breach of Code of Conduct by indulging in malpractices connected with school activities, disregard to public and private life, loyalty, sense of dedication, commitment and integrity of character, which the head of institution and teachers are expected to exhibit while discharging their duties.
Further the act of the school also amounts to charging of Rule 44.1 (d) against all concerned on account of committing cruelty towards any student,” the notice read.
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