Bengaluru: Child locked in dark room as punishment for fee non-payment in school; institution denies charges

A disturbing incident has come to light at Orchid International School, located near Pattanagere Metro Station, Bengaluru, where a child was reportedly locked in a dark room and library as punishment for their parents' inability to pay school fees. The parents of the child exposed the incident, citing the severe emotional and mental distress caused to the student.

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The parents revealed that when their child complained about the punishment, they were allegedly threatened with dire consequences. The incident highlights a troubling pattern, as another branch of the same school had previously come under scrutiny for a similar issue.

Parents are now demanding that the school be blacklisted, citing concerns over the mental well-being of the children affected. The punishment, which involved isolating the child in an unlit room, has raised serious questions about the school’s practices and its treatment of students.

The parents' cries for justice have drawn attention to the broader issue of student welfare and the harsh measures some schools may take when parents struggle to meet financial obligations. Authorities are being urged to investigate the matter to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.

On the other hand, the school management released a media statement, stating that the allegations were false:

The release said, "At Orchids The International School, we are committed to providing high-quality education to our students across India in accordance with all legal requirements. In light of allegations by a parent regarding complaints on Orchids The International School's Mysore Road Campus putting their children through stress on account of fee default, the school management would like to firmly reiterate that such accusations are entirely baseless and false." 

It further noted, "The current situation involves few students who are repeat fee defaulters. Despite multiple reminders and flexible payment options provided to parents for fee clearance, these dues remained unsettled for close to two years. Even following repeated requests and hand delivered letters which were signed by parents, these students were still sent to school in direct contravention of the policy requiring fee clearance. Under the circumstances, the school ensured a comfortable environment and provided all amenities to the concerned children. They were later sent home with the parents and there was no form of inconvenience caused to them during this time. Also, the kids of the concerned parents are attending our after school program, Beyond the Books which aims at enhancing the academic performance of under-performing students."