‘Can’t Forget How I Was Caned In Class V,’ CJI Chandrachud On Effect Of Corporal Punishment In Schools

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud recently revealed how the corporal punishment he faced at school remained imprinted in his heart and soul. He emphasised the need to understand the multifaceted nature of childhood and adolescence and its interrelationship with various dimensions of society.

The CJI was delivering a lecture during the National Symposium on Juvenile Justice organised by the Supreme Court of Nepal on Saturday.

“How you treat children has a deep impact on their minds throughaout their life…I will never forget that day in school. I was not a juvenile delinquent when my hands were caned. I was learning craft and didn’t bring the right sized needles to class for the assignment,” he said.

The CJI said he did not inform his parents as he was too ashamed. He suffered from pain for the next few days and kept hiding the marks on his body.

“That left an imprint in my heart and soul and it still is with me when I do my work. Such deep is the imprint of travesty on children,” he said.

Justice Chandrachud also spoke about the challenges faced by India’s juvenile justice system, including inadequate infrastructure and resources, especially in rural areas, which has led to overcrowded and substandard juvenile detention centres.

“Social realities must also be considered as many children are pushed into criminal activities by gangs,” the CJI said.