A Mumbai-based lawyer has written to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court seeking urgent judicial intervention in the death of a Class 6 student from Vasai, who collapsed days after being subjected to an extreme form of punishment at school. The child, Kajal Gaud, was reportedly made to perform 100 sit-ups with her schoolbag on her back on 8 November 2025 because she arrived ten minutes late. Several other late students were punished in the same manner. Kajal complained of severe back pain after returning home, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. She was admitted to a hospital in Vasai, then shifted to another facility, and finally to JJ Hospital as her health worsened. Despite medical efforts, she died on 14 November.
Advocate Swapna Kode, who approached the Chief Justice, argued that although Waliv Police Station has begun an inquiry, it has produced no progress, no FIR has been filed, and no action has been taken against the teacher or the school management. Kode urged the court to intervene to ensure a fair and speedy investigation.
School authorities, according to news reports, have claimed they were aware of Kajal’s ongoing health issues and had advised her parents to seek medical treatment. They also stated that the teacher responsible for administering the punishment, Mamta Yadav, was unaware that Kajal was among the punished students. These claims have drawn public scrutiny in light of the severity of the child's condition following the incident.
A preliminary postmortem report cited pulmonary oedema and splenomegaly—an enlarged spleen commonly linked to anaemia—as the medical findings contributing to Kajal’s death. The final determination has been reserved pending the results of forensic chemical analysis of her viscera.
In her letter, Advocate Kode requested the High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the incident and issue notices to the Maharashtra government and the Director General of Police. She seeks the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to probe Kajal’s death as well as alleged irregularities in the school’s functioning. She has also appealed for criminal proceedings to be initiated against the school management and the teacher involved.
Additionally, Kode has asked the court to form a committee to examine the school’s operations, suspend admissions, and revoke its recognition if violations are confirmed. She further urged the court to safeguard the academic future of students enrolled in the institution, including Kajal’s younger brother.
