St John’s asks complainant to submit evidence

The school managing committee conveyed to T K Goyal (the parent of a student who levelled the allegations) that it was yet to receive material proof,on the basis of which art teacher Michael Angelo Francis was accused of showing adult websites to students during school hours.  

A meeting of the managing committee was held today and Goyal’s letter expressing lack of faith regarding a fair enquiry and the supplementary reply received from the teacher were placed before the members.

Talking to Newsline,the school spokesperson belied the claims made by Goyal that a magisterial enquiry has been ordered in the incident.

Director Public Instructions (Schools) Samwartak Singh too denied any knowledge of the same.

“The school is a minority educational institution covered under Article 30 of the Constitution belonging to the Christian community with a consequential right to establish and administer the school. It is well within its right to conduct an inquiry and as such no inquiry by the Administration can be conducted or thrust upon the school,” said the spokesperson.

He added that the school has instructed the parent to participate in the inquiry and cooperate with the managing committee so that the truth can prevail.

Goyal has also been advised to submit the proof under seal.

“In case he does not submit the evidence,the managing committee will conclude that he has no evidence to prove the allegations against the teacher,” the spokesperson said.