Justice for Ruchika Girhotra would not just mean Rathore behind bars but also stringent action against Sacred Heart School, Chandigarh where Ruchika studied.

 

A CBSE committee has found Sacred Heart guilty in the expulsion of Ruchika Girhotra. The administration violated a number of rules while expelling her. The school expelled her in 1990 for “non-payment of fees”.

 

Ruchika’s expulsion was undoubtedly influenced by Rathore as she was expelled soon after her family lodged a complaint with the Police, accusing Rathore of molestation. 

 

The School’s administration is likely to face stringent enquiry, a heavy fine and even disaffiliation from CBSE. The CBSE issued a notice to the school where it mentioned that the board prescribed “judicious discharging of duty by the head of the institution in granting admission to a child without distinction and to regularly send progress report of the students to their parents or guardians”.

 

A source said, “It is an unprecedented situation before the CBSE and strict action is likely to be taken. While disaffiliating the school from CBSE is also under consideration, the fact that it will inadvertently affect the future of enrolled students is a matter of concern. However, an inquiry may be set up against the principal and a fine is also likely to be imposed on the school.”

 

The Shimla-Chandigarh diocese however defended the school, claiming that Ruchika’s name was struck off the rolls but she was not expelled. The school has also pulled out some old records but that did not convince anybody as even the Chandigarh Administration condemned the school.