If you have faced assault or harassment at a coaching centre, don't let a PR video silence you. Use the BNS and BNSS to file an FIR and hold the institute accountable.
You are in a packed classroom in Kota, Mukherjee Nagar, or Kalu Sarai. You are there to crack the JEE or NEET, but instead of a lecture, you witness or experience a physical assault by a teacher or a peer. Within hours, the coaching institute uploads a "clarification video" on YouTube, claiming it was a "minor misunderstanding" or that the student was at fault. In the high-pressure world of Indian coaching, management often prioritises their brand over your safety. But you are not just a roll number or a percentage on a billboard. If you have been hit, harassed, or intimidated, the law is on your side, and a PR video is not a legal defence. Here is how to fight back.
Since July 1, 2024, the legal landscape in India has shifted from the IPC to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Your rights are no longer under the old sections you might see in old movies.
If a teacher or staff member hits you, it is a criminal offence. Under Section 115 of the BNS, voluntarily causing hurt can lead to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to ₹10,000. If the injury is serious (like a fracture or loss of hearing from a slap), it falls under Section 118 of the BNS (Grievous Hurt), which carries a penalty of up to seven years.
If the incident involves sexual harassment or outraging modesty, the BNS provides specific protections. Section 74 of the BNS (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and Section 79 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) are the primary tools. For stalking or repeated unwanted contact, use Section 78.
Under Section 173 of the BNSS, a police officer is legally bound to register an FIR for cognizable offences. If they refuse, you can cite the Supreme Court judgment in Lalita Kumari vs. Govt. of U.P. (2014), which remains the gold standard for mandatory FIR registration. Furthermore, Section 173(1) of the BNSS now officially recognises the Zero FIR, meaning you can report the crime at any police station, regardless of where the coaching centre is located.
In January 2024, the Ministry of Education released the "Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Center". These rules mandate that coaching centres must have a Grievance Redressal Mechanism and a committee to handle complaints of harassment. They are also prohibited from enrolling students below 16 years of age or charging exorbitant fees that lead to undue stress. Violation of these guidelines can lead to a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh or cancellation of the centre's registration.
Before the institute deletes CCTV footage or takes down their "clarification video," you must act.
If there is any physical injury, go to the nearest Government Hospital.
Go to the police station covering the area of the coaching centre. If you are a minor, take a parent or guardian.
Coaching centres are regulated at the state level.
If the victim is under 18, the police and coaching centre are answerable to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
If the "clarification video" uses your name, image, or distorts facts to shame you, this is cyberbullying.
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Even with the law on your side, the system in coaching hubs often works to protect the "brand" over the student. Here is where you will likely face resistance and how to bypass it:
The "Compromise" Trap: Coaching management will often call your parents to a private room. They will use phrases like "think about your career," "he is like a father figure," or "don't ruin your focus before JEE/NEET." They might even offer a fee refund or a scholarship in exchange for silence.
The "CCTV is Not Working" Excuse: The moment you report an incident, the institute might claim the cameras were off or the footage was overwritten.
Police Refusal (The "Local Influence" Factor): In cities like Kota or Sikar, coaching institutes are massive taxpayers with significant local influence. A local police station might try to talk you out of filing an FIR, calling it a "scuffle."
The "Clarification Video" Gaslighting: The institute might release a YouTube video showing a "different angle" or claiming you provoked the teacher.
Note: Under the 2024 Ministry of Education Guidelines, the District Magistrate/Collector is the competent authority to penalise coaching centres.
To, The District Collector/Magistrate, [District Name, e.g., Kota], [State]
Subject: Complaint against [Coaching Centre Name] for violation of MoE Guidelines 2024 and student harassment.
Respected Sir/Ma'am, I, [Your Name], a student of [Coaching Centre Name, Branch], wish to report a violation of the 'Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Center 2024'. On [Date] at [Time], an incident of [Physical Assault/Harassment] occurred in Classroom [Number/Name]. The institute has failed to:
Instead, the institute is attempting to suppress the matter via [mention the YouTube video or verbal threats]. I request you to initiate an inquiry and impose a penalty as per the guidelines (up to ₹1 lakh).
Attached: [Photos of injuries/Screenshot of video/Medical report] Date: [Current Date] Contact: [Your Phone Number]
You: "Sir, I am here to file an FIR regarding a physical assault at [Name] coaching centre today." Officer: "It’s a student matter, just go talk to the Director. Why ruin your career?" You: "Sir, this is a cognizable offence under Section 115 of the BNS. According to the Supreme Court in Lalita Kumari vs. Govt. of U.P., you are legally bound to register an FIR when a cognizable offence is disclosed. If you cannot do it here, please register a Zero FIR under Section 173 of the BNSS and transfer it to the relevant station."
To: Public Information Officer (PIO), [Local Police Station] Subject: RTI Application under Section 6(1) of the RTI Act 2005.
Information Required:
1. Can the coaching centre expel me for filing a police complaint? Legally, no. If they expel you for reporting a crime, it constitutes "victimisation." You can report this to the District Collector and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) via the 'e-BaalNidan' portal. Most institutes will back off once they realise you know the MoE Guidelines 2024, which prohibit arbitrary disciplinary actions.
2. Is there a fee for filing an FIR or getting a medical test? No. Filing an FIR is free. A copy of the FIR must be given to you free of cost under Section 173(2) of the BNSS. Similarly, a Medico-Legal Case (MLC) examination at a government hospital is free for victims of crime.
3. What if I am under 18? Do I need my parents? While you can report a crime yourself, the police will usually require a "natural guardian" (parent/legal guardian) to sign the formal FIR statements. If your parents are not supportive, you can call the Childline Helpline (1098). They will provide a social worker to accompany you to the station.
4. The teacher only "slapped" me once. Is that still a crime? Yes. Use of force, regardless of the "intensity," without your consent is "criminal force." Under the BNS, there is no legal "right to hit" a student for discipline. Corporal punishment is also banned under Section 17 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act (if you are under 18).
5. How long does it take for action to be taken? Once an FIR is filed, the police must start the investigation. Under the BNSS, the police are encouraged to complete investigations for most offences within 60 to 90 days. For the coaching centre's license, the District Collector can act within 15–30 days of receiving a formal complaint.
6. Can I file a complaint anonymously? You can send an anonymous tip to the NCPCR or the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), but for a criminal case (FIR), the police require a complainant's identity. However, under Section 74 of the BNS (modesty cases), the police are legally bound to keep a female survivor's identity confidential.
7. What if the coaching institute offers a refund to drop the case? A refund is your right if the services are deficient (Consumer Protection Act), but a crime cannot be "bought off." Accepting a refund does not legally stop you from pursuing a criminal case. However, do not sign any document that says you are withdrawing your "allegations" in exchange for the money.
Legally, no. If they expel you for reporting a crime, it constitutes "victimisation." You can report this to the District Collector and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) via the **'e-BaalNidan'** portal. Most institutes will back off once they realise you know the MoE Guidelines 2024, which prohibit arbitrary disciplinary actions.
No. Filing an FIR is free. A copy of the FIR must be given to you free of cost under **Section 173(2) of the BNSS**. Similarly, a Medico-Legal Case (MLC) examination at a government hospital is free for victims of crime.
While you can report a crime yourself, the police will usually require a "natural guardian" (parent/legal guardian) to sign the formal FIR statements. If your parents are not supportive, you can call the **Childline Helpline (1098)**. They will provide a social worker to accompany you to the station.
Yes. Use of force, regardless of the "intensity," without your consent is "criminal force." Under the **BNS**, there is no legal "right to hit" a student for discipline. Corporal punishment is also banned under Section 17 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act (if you are under 18).
Once an FIR is filed, the police must start the investigation. Under the BNSS, the police are encouraged to complete investigations for most offences within 60 to 90 days. For the coaching centre's license, the District Collector can act within 15–30 days of receiving a formal complaint.
You can send an anonymous tip to the **NCPCR** or the **State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR)**, but for a criminal case (FIR), the police require a complainant's identity. However, under **Section 74 of the BNS** (modesty cases), the police are legally bound to keep a female survivor's identity confidential.
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