Introduction
The Kerala High Court on 25th June 2025, had directed the Kerala Veterinary and Animal
Sciences University (KVASU) to conduct immediate disciplinary proceedings against Dr. M K
Narayanan and Dr. R. Kanthananthan, Dean and Assistant Warden of the University,
respectively, within 3 months. This direction was issued in light of the lapses found in the part
of the officials following the suicide of a 20-year-old student, Sidharthan J S, due to the brutal
ragging he suffered at the hands of the senior students. The Court additionally mentioned the
urgent need for a more stringent and enforceable anti-ragging law to be in place.
Background
Sidharthan, a 2nd-year BVSc student, was found hanging in his room in the college hostel on
18th February 2024. Complaints were made regarding the ragging issue via the UGC anti–
ragging helpline, following which a squad was constituted for the same purpose. According to
reports, Sidharthan had endured public humiliation and severe physical abuse, which ultimately
caused him to take this extreme action.
Following this, on March 5, 2024, the Assistant Warden and the Dean were suspended due to
negligence found on their part. A 3-member committee and a commission of inquiry led by
Justice A. Hariprasad (Retd.) found the accused to be guilty of neglect of duty, inadequate
hostel monitoring, lack of timely intervention, and general mismanagement.
Despite these findings, the University Board of Management reinstated and transferred the
officers. The Court criticized this action as unjustified and based on a misinterpretation of
communication from the Chancellor, who had merely sought a report and not instructed halting
disciplinary measures.
Key Points
1. Negligence Found: The internal committee constituted, and the commission of enquiry
found Dr. Narayanan and Dr. Kanthananthan guilty of serious lapses in enforcing anti-
ragging measures, maintaining hostel discipline, and responding to the incident.
The Court also found the University’s action highly insensitive and negligent, despite
the findings of neglect of responsibility.
2. Failure to Establish Control: The continued absence of the Dean and over-
dependence on the Assistant Wardens made the maintenance of discipline and timely
response to assaults or issues in the hostel a failure. The Assistant Warden failed to
conduct inspections or respond when informed about the assault on Sidharthan.
3. Misinterpretation by the University: The communication from the chancellor was
misinterpreted as a bar to disciplinary action and reinstated the officials prematurely.
Recent Developments
• The Kerala High Court ordered KVASU to resume the halted disciplinary proceedings
initiated against the accused and conclude them within 3 months from the date of the
judgment.
• The UGC guidelines’ current anti-ragging provisions have proven ineffective; the state
government was advised to pass a strict anti-ragging law that carries harsh penalties.
Conclusion
The Kerala High Court’s decision serves as a mirror that shows how educational institutions
are responsible for keeping students safe from this sort of violations on campus. The Court also
asked for a stricter legal framework for tackling these kinds of challenges so that no young
individuals succumb to such injustice.
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WRITTEN BY GOURI CHOLAYIL RAJEEV
