Section 17 of RTE Act : Section 17: Prohibition Of Physical Punishment And Mental Harassment To Child

Explanation using Example

Imagine a situation where a 10-year-old student named Rohan fails to complete his homework. His teacher, Mr. Sharma, frustrated with his repeated forgetfulness, decides to make an example out of him. Mr. Sharma yells at Rohan in front of the entire class, calling him lazy and inattentive, causing Rohan to feel humiliated and distressed.

Under Section 17(1) of The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, Rohan should not be subjected to such mental harassment. When the school's principal learns about this incident, she takes it seriously and initiates an investigation. As per Section 17(2), Mr. Sharma is found to have contravened the provisions by mentally harassing Rohan and is therefore liable to face disciplinary action according to the rules of the school's governing body or education department.