National Human Rights Commission: On 23-12-2025, the Single Judge Bench of Priyank Kanoongo, Member, took cognizance of a complaint filed by an advocate regarding 50 students being forced to walk 14 kms every day through forest and wilderness due to a lack of road connectivity and public transport.
The NHRC took cognizance under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and directed the Registry to issue a notice to the Principal Secretary, Department of Primary and Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka, and the District Magistrate, Chamarajnagar, Karnataka. The notice shall contain directions to investigate the allegations made in the complaint and to submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks.
Background
The complainant alleged an urgent and ongoing human rights violation affecting more than 50 school and college students of Pachedoddi Village, Hanur Taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, who were forced to walk nearly 14 km every day through dense forest and wildlife-prone areas, including tiger habitats, due to the complete absence of road connectivity and public transport. He alleged that this daily and hazardous journey exposed children to serious risks of wild animal attacks, extreme physical exhaustion, mental trauma, and disruption of education, which amounted to a violation of their constitutional rights to life, safety, dignity, and education.
The complainant also alleged that despite repeated representations, visits by officials, and public appeals over several years, the authorities failed to provide even basic transport or road infrastructure, reflecting prolonged administrative apathy and necessitating urgent intervention in the matter.