The Allahabad High Court emphasized the vital role of teachers in shaping the future citizens of a democratic nation, guiding their academic progress, and fostering their civil awareness and ethical values.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh, while addressing the matter, highlighted that a teacher's role is multifaceted and carries profound responsibilities that go far beyond simply imparting knowledge, with their influence extending well beyond the confines of the classroom.

“In a democratic society, the role of a teacher is multifaceted and carries significant responsibilities that extend beyond the mere imparting of knowledge…The impact of a teacher's responsibilities extends beyond the classroom, influencing the broader fabric of society and contributing to the sustainability and vitality of democracy itself,” the single judge remarked. 

The court made these observations while rejecting the bail application of a teacher accused of raping his student.

Despite the accused's claim of being falsely implicated, the Court observed that the victim's statements under Sections 161 and 164 CrPC were consistent, leaving no basis for alleging false implication of the applicant. The Court further emphasized that sexual violence constitutes a dehumanizing and unlawful violation of a woman's privacy and sanctity, delivering a severe blow to her honor and infringing upon her self-esteem and dignity.

“It degrades and humiliates the victim and where the victim is a helpless innocent child, it leaves behind a traumatic experience. The crime of rape has a negative impact on the victim as it disrupts her mental condition,” the bench observed.

“While the first seriously wounds her dignity, curbs her individual, destroys her sense of security and may often ruin her physically, the second is no less potent of mischief inasmuch as it not only force her to relive through the traumatic experience, but also does so in the glare of publicity in a totally alien atmosphere, with the whole apparatus and paraphernalia of the criminal justice system focused upon her”.

In light of the facts and circumstances of the case, as well as the submissions made by both parties, the Court, considering the gravity of the offense, the role attributed to the applicant, the victim's statement, and the severity of the potential punishment, ultimately decided to deny bail to the accused-applicant.

Case title - Gandharv Kumar @ Gaurav vs. State of U.P. 2025