Supreme Court Rules West Bengal Teacher's Corporal Punishment Not POCSO Offence

Supreme Court of India on Tuesday quashed a criminal case against a West Bengal teacher, ruling that his use of corporal punishment on minor girls does not fall under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court held that the teacher’s actions, though harsh, lacked any sexual intent, which is a key element required for a POCSO offence. The decision follows a complaint filed by parents who alleged that the teacher had repeatedly struck their daughters during school hours. While the ruling clears the teacher of POCSO charges, it does not preclude other legal actions for assault or negligence under different statutes.