
Wed Jun 25 00:16:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for failing to properly implement school safety measures detailed in a Government Resolution (GR) issued after a sexual assault case in Badlapur. The GR, which aims to prevent sexual abuse and improve accountability in schools, includes measures like CCTV surveillance, counseling, and mandatory reporting of incidents. The Court emphasized the importance of making the GR accessible to parents and ensuring schools comply with its directives, including utilizing resources like the POCSO e-box and the Chirag app. The government has four weeks to submit a compliance report and address the Court’s concerns.
**News Article:**
**Bombay High Court Slams Maharashtra Government Over School Safety Lapses**
**Mumbai, June 25, 2025** – The Bombay High Court has sharply criticized the Maharashtra government for deficiencies in implementing crucial school safety measures outlined in a Government Resolution (GR) issued earlier this year. The rebuke comes after the court’s scrutiny of the state’s response to a sexual assault case in Badlapur, which prompted the GR’s creation.
The GR, a 23-page document, details a comprehensive set of protocols designed to prevent sexual abuse and bolster accountability within educational institutions. Key provisions include enhanced CCTV surveillance in vulnerable areas, expanded counseling services for students, prompt reporting procedures for abuse cases, and improved coordination between schools, parents, and law enforcement.
However, the Court expressed concern over the GR’s accessibility, noting that it was difficult to locate online. Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale stressed the need for widespread dissemination, stating, “The GR needs to reach parents the way report cards are sent… We ourselves had to rack our brains to find this GR.” The court directed the government to prominently display the GR on the education department’s website and distribute physical copies through Parent-Teacher Associations.
The Court also raised concerns about the monitoring of resources like the POCSO e-box and the Chirag mobile app, tools designed to aid in reporting and preventing child sexual abuse. Justices questioned the government’s system for tracking compliance and data collection from all cities.
The High Court has granted the Maharashtra government four weeks to address the identified shortcomings and submit a detailed compliance report. The report must outline the extent of adherence to the GR’s guidelines, the monitoring systems in place, and the progress of data collection across all schools in the state. This follows the formation of a panel of experts, including retired judges and law enforcement officials, who are tasked with overseeing the GR and enforcement of the POCSO Act in educational settings.