NHRC Moves Swiftly in Alleged Sexual Harassment Case Involving Punjab Government School Principal
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi, July 24, 2026: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken Suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging sexual harassment of several girl students by the principal of a government school in Punjab’s Moga district.
The allegations state that the accused principal allegedly subjected the students to inappropriate physical contact and intimidated them by threatening to fail them in examinations if they disclosed the alleged misconduct.
Taking serious note of the reported incident, the Commission observed that, if the allegations are found to be true, they disclose grave violations of the human rights and dignity of minor students. Accordingly, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Moga, directing them to submit a comprehensive report on the matter within two weeks.
According to the media report published on 23 July 2026, the alleged misconduct came to light after one of the victimised students confided in her parents.
The parents subsequently approached the Village Panchayat and confronted the principal at the school.
While the principal reportedly denied the allegations, several other girl students allegedly came forward with similar accusations, prompting the intervention of the police.
The Commission is expected to examine the response of the State authorities to ascertain the factual position, the progress of the criminal investigation, and the measures undertaken to ensure the safety, protection, and rehabilitation of the affected students, besides fixing accountability in accordance with law.
