TNCRW opposes reinstatement of YMCA College principal facing POCSO trial in Chennai
The Tamil Nadu Child Rights Watch (TNCRW) has urged the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to intervene against the reinstatement of George Abraham, the principal of YMCA College of Physical Education in Chennai, who is facing a trial under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to the representation submitted by the child rights umbrella body, the survivor was a minor student when the alleged sexual misconduct occurred. She had joined a Bachelor’s programme at the institution for the 2022-25 academic year and was allegedly subjected to abuse by Abraham on November 2, 2022.
Following a complaint, the police registered a First Information Report under Crime No. 101 of 2023. Abraham was subsequently arrested on March 11, 2023, and remained in judicial custody for more than 50 days before being released on bail.
A charge sheet has since been filed in the matter. The case, registered as Special Case No. 101 of 2023, is currently pending before a POCSO Court, with the next hearing scheduled to take place on July 31.
The TNCRW pointed out that the survivor is still studying at the YMCA College of Physical Education. Consequently, the reinstatement of the accused principal forces her to continue her education directly under his authority.
The rights organisation expressed serious concerns over the development, stating that the principal's return to office could cause severe psychological trauma to the survivor. It also compromises her fundamental right to a safe educational environment.
Furthermore, the representation warned that having the accused in a position of power poses a risk of witness influence. The TNCRW noted that such actions could discourage other victims from reporting abuse and ultimately undermine public confidence in institutional child protection mechanisms.
In light of these issues, the TNCRW has requested the Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TNCPCR) to take suo motu cognisance of the reinstatement. The group has called for an official probe into the decision and recommended that Abraham be relieved from his post as principal, as well as any other position of authority over students, until the criminal trial is concluded.
