A letter petition filed with the Allahabad High Court is pressing for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the tragic suicide of a ninth-grade student from St. Mary’s Convent School in Prayagraj. The petition, spearheaded by lawyer Gaurav Dwivedi, cites alleged harassment by the school’s administration as a key factor in the student’s decision to end her life, sparking widespread demands for immediate action against the school principal and the introduction of stringent measures to shield minors from abuse in private educational settings.
The heartrending suicide note left by the student voiced her distress over the alleged ill-treatment she endured at school, and her final wish for the school’s closure. Dwivedi’s petition not only seeks justice but also emphasizes the critical need for systemic change, calling upon the Allahabad High Court to compel accountability from those responsible for safeguarding student welfare.
Further intensifying the call for reform, the petition urges the Prayagraj district magistrate to submit an affidavit outlining actions taken to address harassment in private schools, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable minors. This tragic event has intensified scrutiny over the mental health support systems within educational frameworks, highlighting an urgent need for dedicated psychological counselors in schools.
The petitioner is advocating for a directive from the Uttar Pradesh government that would mandate the presence of psychological counselors in all educational institutions statewide. Such a measure is seen as vital in detecting and assisting students who may be grappling with emotional and mental health issues, thereby averting potential tragedies.
The incident, which came to light on October 28 through local media, has ignited public furor and calls for rigorous oversight of private educational practices. The petition asserts that the harassment of minors within these settings cannot be overlooked and that private institutions must be held accountable for fostering a nurturing and safe educational environment.
In a move to prevent future tragedies, the petition also recommends the implementation of a new government circular requiring educational institutions to hire professional psychological counselors. This policy would ensure that students have immediate access to essential mental health services within their educational surroundings.
The Allahabad High Court’s decision on this petition could set a significant precedent, influencing educational policies not just in Uttar Pradesh but across the entire country. By addressing these pressing issues, the court has the opportunity to enforce safeguards that ensure educational spaces are secure and supportive for all students.
