New bill bans corporal punishment for refusal to study, bullying in schools

• New Bill outlaws both physical punishment and non-physical punishment
• Applies to children in schools, hostels, daycare centres, children’s homes, training schools, and children with disabilities
• Offenders face 6 months to 2 years imprisonment, fines up to Rs. 100,000, and mandatory compensation to the victim

By Yohan Perera

Children will no longer be subjected to corporal punishment or public humiliation in schools and other institutions under the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to expand the scope of banning physical and non-physical punishment. The Bill specifically outlaws practices such as causing physical harm to a child for refusing to study, punishing a child for bullying another student, or humiliating a child in front of a school assembly for minor misconduct such as theft. It also prohibits school prefects from inflicting pain on other students.

The legislation defines both physical acts—intended to cause pain or discomfort, however slight—and non-physical acts—intended to cause humiliation—as offences. The protections cover all children, including those in state custody, training schools, school hostels, children’s homes, daycare centres, and children with disabilities.

Those convicted of such offences will face six months to two years’ imprisonment, fines up to Rs. 100,000, or both, in addition to compensation payable to the victim as determined by court. Where the offender is under 18 years of age, a shorter prison term may be imposed.