Coroner Nursalha Hamzah fixed the dates for hearing in the matter which was mentioned for the first time today.
A total of 30 witnesses are expected to be called during proceedings.
Coordinating officer J G Kameni assisted the coroner’s court.
Counsel V Parthipan, who was engaged by the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), held a watching brief for the teacher.
Vasanthapiriya’s family members were not present in court today.
An inquest is usually held when there are reasons to suspect that a person died in a sudden or unnatural manner. It is held by a coroner, usually a presiding magistrate.
It is not a trial where a person can be found guilty of an offence or be civilly liable, but is meant to ascertain the truth of what happened.
Vasanthapiriya, a student of SMK Methodist Nibong Tebal, attempted to take her own life on Jan 24 after being accused of stealing her teacher’s mobile phone. She died a week later without regaining consciousness.
Her uncle, in a police report, alleged that she had been confined by her teacher in school before being brought home to her parents five hours later.
NUTP president Kamarozaman Abd Razak, who was present this morning with his colleagues, said they had come to listen and show support for the teacher, who has been teaching for over 10 years.
Kamarozaman said it was imperative for teachers to show support for a colleague.
“My hope is that as the case has not yet concluded, society will not have the wrong perception and not simply make accusations.
“We do not want society to accuse civil servants. We want them to understand how complicated a teacher’s job is now, having to face all kinds of parents.
“This is the risk teachers have to take in helping society,” he said.
Kamarozaman also called on teachers to be patient and focus on their students, adding that such an issue could prove to be a challenge.
“Also, teachers are bound to get stressed out. We are worried that teachers may one day not care about their students anymore.
“That must not happen. They must continue to be caring towards their students.
“To the teachers, do not give up. We do not want teachers to give up just because of one or two cases which cause us to be emotionally distressed,” he added.
AG okays inquest into death of girl accused of stealing iPhone