MUTINY

The school admissions are in full swing across India. School managements are leaving no stones unturned to woo students. An allegation against the school during this crucial time of admission would do irreparable damage to the reputation of the school. The rival schools cashes in on the opportunity by ‘buying’ a particular  reporter/s ensuring  the maximum possible damage.  In this context, the sexual allegation against Dr. Paul Francis Meekin, the principal of the Trio World School, Bangalore must be analysed with suspicion regarding the real motives behind this expose.

I strongly stand for maximum punishment of the principal if found guilty. Till then, media has no right to pronounce judgment and dedicate exclusive pages discussing sexual abuse of children. The Deccan Chronicle dated 24 January 2012 carried a front page main headline that read, “Headmaster who preyed on kids?” It carries sharp criticism by Nina P. Nayak, chairperson of the Karnataka Child Rights Commission who spoke ‘exclusively’ to Deccan Chronicle. The title “School Sat on Four Complaints” also is added below the main headline. The story doesn’t end with front page, the second page is dedicated exclusively to discuss the child abuse issue in detail.  The focus headlines are interesting, “Our Children in monsters’ shadow”,” Parents need to watch out for signs”, “Children need to be assertive” followed by excrepts from the principals facebook profile and the press statement of the management of Trio World School.

While the other news papers limited themselves to reporting the issue, Deccan Chronicle has gone a step ahead in analyzing the issue of sexual abuse of Children as if it was the supreme authority in judging an issue. There is something fishy in this whole affair. The reasons are:

1. The timing of the allegation

According to Deccan Herald four parents have come up with complaints or their complaints were un answered. Why have they waited till January? It is impossible for any school or institution to satisfy the over demanding parents. Most parents make full use of an occasion like this to vent the ire against the school management.  Did this happen here too?

1. The exclusive reporting by certain news papers

There was an allegation. Why jump the gun when allegations are not proved. Check out the DNA report. They have reported the fact whereas Deccan Herald has made it an occasion to celebrate by the discussion on Child abuse.

1. The sex factor

Anything related to sex sells anywhere in the world. The Deccan Chronicle has cashed in on that to give the detailed analysis. In the mad race to increase readership, reputation of the institution and person s doesn’t matter.

1. The allegation itself

The Telegraph reports that “The parents complained that the teacher had used AN INAPPORIATE WORD”. The other allegation as reported in Deccan Chronicle includes, “beat children on their bottoms and allegedly misbehaved with them.” Should a principal be crucified for AN inappropriate word? Can someone guarantee that those children with whom the principal allegedly misbehaved are well disciplined students?

In a country where what is printed and broadcasted is considered by the general public as true, media has the responsibility to limit themselves to reporting. It is inappropriate to go overboard with the issue and pronounce judgment when it has been only ‘alleged’, damaging the reputation of the person and institution.

(The author is on twitters as @jeffshawn)