The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken cognizance of a serious complaint filed pro bono by the undersigned involving human rights violations of more than 50 school and college students from Pachedoddi village, Hanur Taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
THE SUM AND SUBSTANCE OF THE CASE:
- The matter is registered as NHRC Case No. 1255/10/25/2025. The complaint was filed on 09/12/2025, and the case is currently pending before the National Human Rights Commission for adjudication.
- Students Forced to Walk 14 km Daily Through Forest & Tiger Habitat:
As per the complaint filed by Advocate Yennam Balachander Reddy, students are compelled to walk nearly 14 kilometers every day through dense forests and wildlife-prone areas, including tiger habitats, due to the absence of road connectivity and public transport. Article 2l, 21-A, Article 39(f)of Indian Constitution R/w. Sec. 2 (d) of Protection of Human Rights Act 1993 of the said children are at serious risk and the state instrumentalities have displayed great official delinquency and the same shall tantamount to flagrant contravention of human rights of the said subject-matter. - DIRECTION DATED 23.12.2025 OF NHRC:
The operative portion of the Direction is extracted as follows:
“ Notice under Section 12 of the PHR Act,1993
The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, has entrusted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, with the responsibility of protecting and promoting the rights of all human beings in the country and having the powers of a civil court for inquiry u/s 13 of the PHR Act, 1993.
The complainant alleged an urgent and ongoing human rights violation affecting more than 50 school and college students of Pachedoddi village, Hanur Taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, who are forced to walk nearly 14 km every day through dense forest and wildlife-prone areas, including tiger habitats, due to the complete absence of road connectivity and public transport. The complainant further alleged that this daily and hazardous journey exposes children to serious risks of wild animal attacks, extreme physical exhaustion, mental trauma, and disruption of education, amounting to violations of their constitutional rights to life, safety, dignity, and education. The complainant also alleged that despite repeated representations, visits by officials, and public appeals over several years, the authorities have failed to provide even basic transport or road infrastructure, reflecting prolonged administrative apathy and necessitating urgent intervention of the Commission in the matter.
The allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victims.
The Bench of the National Human Rights Commission, presided by Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Hon’ble Member, has taken cognizance u/s 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, in the matter. The Registry is directed to issue a notice to the Principal Secretary, Department of Primary and Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore and the DM, Chamarajnagar, Karnataka, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks for perusal of the Commission. A copy of the complaint is attached herewith.”
2. Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/ intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 2 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.”
Alleged Violations of Right to Life, Safety, and Education
The NHRC observed that the situation exposes children to risks of wild animal attacks, extreme physical exhaustion, mental trauma, and disruption of education, amounting to violations of their constitutional rights to life, dignity, safety, and education.
NHRC Commission Called for inquiry and for Action Taken Report (ATR):
The NHRC Bench, presided over by Hon’ble Member Shri Priyank Kanoongo, has issued Notice dated 23.12.2025 under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, directing the following Authorities:
1. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, CHAMARAJA NAGAR KARNATAKA.
And
2. THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY,
Department of Primary and Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka,
BANGALORE KARNATAKA, to inquire into the matter and submit the Action taken report within 2 weeks to the NHRC.
- Two-Week Deadline for Authorities
- The Commission has directed the concerned authorities to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks, underlining the urgency of immediate remedial measures.
- Issue Reflects Prolonged Administrative Apathy
The complaint highlights years of representations and official visits without tangible action, raising serious concerns about administrative accountability and governance. - Matter of Wider Public Significance:
The case brings focus to child rights, rural infrastructure deficits, access to education, and safety of students in forest-border villages, making it an issue of significant public interest. Hence I the undersigned in good faith prays your good office to consider this news for publication in larger public interest. I humbly thank the Hon’ble Member Shri Priyank Kanoongo for taking cognizance of the said case. The undersigned shall move appropriate petition/Steps after response from concerned authorities of Karnataka Government.
Download Copy of NHRC notice and direction.
****
Author: Advocate Yennam Balachander Reddy (Complainant) | Contact: advocate.bcreddy@gmail.com | Mobile: 9959850723
Author Bio
