The Chief Justice revealed that he experienced corporal punishment in fifth grade and explained why the memory remains vivid in his mind.

While corporal punishment is now widely condemned as a harsh method of disciplining children, it was commonplace for previous generations who attended school decades ago. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud shared his own experience during a seminar, recalling a time when he was subjected to caning for a minor infraction.

Reflecting on the incident, he emphasized the profound impact of how children are treated, recounting the day he received the punishment in school for not having the correct supplies for a craft assignment in fifth grade.

"How you treat children has a deep impact on their minds throughout their life...I will never forget that day in school," he expressed.

The Chief Justice recounted how, out of embarrassment, he requested his teacher to cane his buttocks instead of his hands. He carried the shame silently, unable to disclose the incident to his parents, concealing his injured hand for ten days. Despite the physical wound healing, the psychological impact persisted, influencing his approach to his work. He underscored the enduring effects of such experiences on children's psyche.

Speaking at the National Symposium on Juvenile Justice in Kathmandu, Chandrachud stressed the importance of recognizing the vulnerabilities of children involved in legal matters and advocated for compassionate, rehabilitative responses from justice systems. He highlighted challenges faced by India's juvenile justice system, including inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded detention centers, and exploitation of vulnerable children by criminal elements.

Chandrachud emphasized the need for a holistic understanding of adolescence and its societal implications, calling for a nuanced approach to juvenile justice that considers social realities and provides opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

What is Corporal Punishment?

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Physical discipline, also known as corporal punishment, involves the use of physical force to correct or control behavior. This can include actions such as spanking, hitting, or other forms of physical punishment inflicted upon a person, typically a child, as a means of discipline or punishment for perceived misbehavior.

Historically, corporal punishment has been a widely accepted method of disciplining children in many cultures and societies. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the potential harm and negative consequences associated with it.

Critics argue that corporal punishment can lead to physical injury, emotional trauma, and damage to the parent-child relationship. Additionally, research suggests that it may not be an effective long-term strategy for behavior modification and can perpetuate cycles of violence.

As a result, many countries and institutions have banned or restricted the use of corporal punishment, opting instead for alternative disciplinary approaches that focus on positive reinforcement, communication, and teaching appropriate behavior skills.

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Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/the-day-chief-justice-dy-chandrachud-was-caned-by-his-teacher-at-school-5592323