Punjab-Haryana High Court mandates LGBTQIA+ safety guidelines in schools

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued directives requiring schools to ensure compliance with established guidelines aimed at safeguarding LGBTQIA+ students from discrimination and harassment. The judicial intervention follows a petition filed by the mother of a 16-year-old student whose death by suicide in 2022 was preceded by allegations of prolonged bullying, harassment, and sexual assault within school premises.

The court's order specifically references the Sukdeb Saha guidelines, a framework designed to protect students belonging to sexual and gender minorities from institutional discrimination. These guidelines establish protocols for schools to address complaints, provide counseling support, and create inclusive environments for vulnerable student populations.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about student safety in Indian educational institutions, particularly for LGBTQIA+ youth who remain vulnerable to peer harassment and institutional neglect. The court's directive seeks to ensure that schools implement concrete measures to prevent such incidents and provide adequate support systems for affected students.

Schools covered under the Punjab and Haryana High Court's jurisdiction have been mandated to review their existing policies and demonstrate adherence to protective guidelines. The order reinforces the legal responsibility of educational institutions to maintain safe, inclusive environments and respond promptly to complaints of harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.