Kerala Investigates Private School After Latecomer Student Allegedly Confined Alone

Web desk

Published on Aug 16, 2025, 03:55 PM | 3 min read

Ernakulam: Kerala’s Education Minister V. Sivankutty has ordered an urgent inquiry into claims that a Class 5 student at Cochin Public School in Thrikkakara, Ernakulam, was locked in a dark room as punishment for being late to school.

According to the child and his parents, he arrived at school two to three minutes after the bell rang. As a punishment, he was allegedly made to run two laps around the school grounds and then confined to a poorly lit room.

“The principal told me that either my parents should come to pick me up, or I had to sit alone in a room,” the student said.

The child’s father, disturbed by the incident, approached the school authorities and later filed a formal complaint. He accused the school of mistreatment and causing emotional distress. He claimed the punishment not only embarrassed the child but may have harmed his mental health. The parents also said the school initially pressured them to accept a transfer certificate (TC) to quietly remove the student from the school.

In response, the school management has denied any wrongdoing. They claimed the student was not locked in a dark room but was seated in another classroom temporarily. They also said that running was a standard exercise for latecomers, not meant as punishment. The school’s Parent-Teacher Association reportedly supported the administration's version of events.

The Education Minister condemned the alleged treatment. “If a student arrives late, the teacher may advise them not to do it again. But confining a child in a way that could harm their mental health is not acceptable,” Sivankutty stated. He added that no school, regardless of the state syllabus, has the right to enforce harmful or arbitrary discipline.

Preliminary findings showed that Cochin Public School does not follow the Kerala state syllabus, raising more concerns about regulatory oversight. The Minister recognized that such institutions often fall outside certain state-led teacher training programs, which could lead to inconsistent disciplinary practices.

The Deputy Director of Education (DDE) in Ernakulam has been assigned to carry out a thorough investigation. The department has been instructed to determine if the school’s actions violated child protection laws. A report is expected soon, and further steps will be taken based on its findings.

Parents and child rights groups have protested outside the school, demanding accountability. Local police intervened to maintain order during the demonstrations. In light of the backlash, the school has reportedly softened its approach and started discussions with the student’s family.

Minister Sivankutty emphasised that Kerala has taken steps in recent years to reduce such incidents in state-run institutions. This case shows the need to extend proper teacher training and oversight to all schools, no matter their syllabus.

As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited discussions about discipline, student rights, and the responsibilities of private educational institutions outside the state curriculum framework.