Karnataka High Court Upholds POCSO Charges Against School Teacher

The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash POCSO charges against a school teacher accused of secretly recording videos of girl students changing clothes. Employed at a residential school in Kolar, the teacher faces charges of sexual harassment. The court called the actions 'horrendous' and insists on a full trial.

The Karnataka High Court has decided against quashing a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against a school teacher accused of recording videos of girl students while they were changing clothes.

Employed at a residential school in Kolar district, the accused is charged with sexual harassment under the POCSO Act. Justice M Nagaprasanna termed the teacher's actions as 'horrendous,' citing the severity of the allegations. The teacher, who was arrested last December, allegedly used multiple mobile phones to secretly film the students. Forensic examination revealed around 1,000 images and several hundred videos on the seized devices.

The teacher contended his actions did not meet the POCSO Act's definition of sexual harassment; however, the court disagreed. Justice Nagaprasanna clarified that filming children in such a manner meets the criteria for sexual harassment outlined in the Act, making it impossible to dismiss the case. The court emphasized the need for a trial, noting that dismissing the petition at this stage would be akin to condoning the teacher's actions. The case stems from a complaint lodged via a state social welfare department helpline.

(With inputs from agencies.)