NHRC issues show cause Notice to State Chief Secretary over Snake bite inside Classroom

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Kerala Chief Secretary & asked to show cause why compensation of Rs 2 lakh should not be recommended for a minor student who died after a snake bite in a classroom due to the negligence of school authorities in Kerala.

Acting on a plea filed by Apex Court Advocate & rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the Apex Human Rights panel passed the order.

In the 3rd week of Nov 2019, a 10-year-old girl Shehala Sherin died after she was bitten by a snake in her classroom. A teacher at the Government Sarvajana High School was guilty of delaying treatment to the child after the incident in the school. The negligence of school authorities in ensuring safety & security to the student amounts to severe violation of the human rights of the victim, Tripathy claimed.

He requested the NHRC to investigate the cases & ensure a safe & secure environment to all the school students of Kerala & pay compensation to the tune of Rs 25 lakh to the family members of the deceased student.

In response to the notice issued by the commission, a report has been filed by the district Police chief along with an inquiry report stating that an FIR has been registered at Sulthan Bathery Police Station.

"During the investigation, it was found that the death was due to a snake bite at her classroom. After the snake bite, the teachers at the school waited for her parents to come & they neglected their responsibility to take the child to the hospital. It was also reported that the accused teachers named in the report failed to provide medical attention to the child in a timely manner," Tripathy alleged.

He added that "Moreover, the report also reveals grave misconduct/ medical negligence committed by Dr Jisa Merin, Medical Officer, Bathery Taluk Hospital by not admitting or to start treatment even though there was enough stock of Antivenom, & good condition ventilator at the hospital".

"It was further reported that a letter has been submitted to the Medical Board to take appropriate action against the doctor who committed grave misconduct/medical negligence," Tripathy further said. 

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