Preliminary Inquiry Must Before Registering Criminal Cases Against Teachers for Disciplining Student

The Kerala High Court has ruled that before registering criminal cases against teachers for disciplining students, a preliminary inquiry must be conducted to determine if a prima facie case exists.

Justice PV Kunhikrishnan emphasized that teachers should not face immediate arrest in such cases and directed the State Police Chief to issue necessary orders within a month.

The Court observed a rising trend of complaints against teachers, affecting discipline in schools. It even suggested that teachers carry canes—not necessarily for punishment, but to create a psychological deterrent against misbehavior.

The ruling came while granting bail to a teacher accused of assaulting a student.