The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has directed the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Wangoi Zone, Imphal West, to conduct an immediate, independent and time-bound inquiry following a complaint by parents and guardians of two minor students of Class II/B of Catholic School Canchipur.
The complaint alleges that the two students were wrongfully confined inside a classroom locked from the outside after school hours on February 6, 2026.
In an official order, MCPCR Chairperson Keisam Pradipkumar directed the ZEO to submit an Action Taken Report, along with documentary evidence, within ten days of receiving the order. The Commission stated that the directive was issued under Sections 13 and 14 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
The inquiry will verify the exact enrolment and attendance of Class II/B on February 6, examine the professional qualifications and certified child protection training status of the teachers concerned, and determine whether the alleged acts amount to corporal punishment, mental harassment, or unlawful confinement under applicable laws. It will also assess whether classroom overcrowding or administrative lapses contributed to the incident, and review the school’s Child Protection Policy, student grievance redressal mechanism, Parents/Guardians’ Association framework, and internal grievance system for staff.
The Commission has instructed that the inquiry fix both individual and institutional responsibility and recommend suitable disciplinary, corrective and systemic measures to prevent recurrence.
According to the order, if the allegations are proven, they would prima facie amount to violations of the statutory ban on corporal punishment and mental harassment under Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and raise concerns of unlawful confinement causing psychological trauma.
It was reported that one Assistant Teacher has been placed under suspension for three months. However, the complaint alleged involvement of more than one teacher, making it necessary to determine full accountability.