Madras High Court Calls For Special Committee To Explore Preventive Measures Against Student Violence Amidst Altercations Between College Students In Chennai
The Madras High Court intervention followed the involvement of students from Pachaiyappa's College and Presidency College in repeated clashes, which culminated in the death of a Presidency College student, allegedly by the Petitioners.
The Madras High Court has called for the formation of a special committee to explore preventive measures against student violence, amidst ongoing concerns about altercations between college students in Chennai.
The Court’s intervention followed the involvement of students from Pachaiyappa's College and Presidency College in repeated clashes, which culminated in the brutal assault and eventual death of a Presidency College student named Sundar, allegedly by the Petitioners.
A Single Bench of Justice AD Jagadish Chandira stated, “After reviewing all submissions and reports, this Court believes the issue demands urgent intervention by Educational Authorities. As the saying goes, ‘as the twig is bent, so grows the tree.’ Immediate measures must be taken at the college level, but long-term solutions require early intervention starting from school with regular parent-teacher interactions to identify and address behavioral issues.”
Advocate P Muthamizhselvakumar appeared for the Petitioners, while Government Advocate Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam represented the Respondents.
Brief Facts
Though the bail was granted to the Petitioners in 2024, the present Petitions were listed following the suo motu impleadment of educational authorities and the Principals of the Colleges, to “explore the preventive measures against student violence and promote social peace and welfare.”
Court’s Reasoning
The High Court, while stating that it’s “disheartening” that students from such prestigious institutions were involved in such criminal behavior, tarnishing their reputations and jeopardising their futures, remarked, “Criminals are made, not born. No parent wants their child to become an anti-social element, and dedicated teachers strive to instill ambition and good values. Society too cannot tolerate such behavior. The root cause may lie in a lack of empathy rather than sympathy. Institutions must not ignore these issues merely because they occur outside the campus or involve only a few students.”
“Given the immaturity of the students accused in these cases, this Court had granted bail with the condition that they serve in the Trauma Ward of the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, under the supervision of the Resident Medical Officer,” the Bench noted.
Consequently, the Court ordered, “Accordingly, this Court recommends the formation of a Special Committee comprising statesmen, scholars, psychoanalysts, and representatives from the Departments of Human Resource Development, Higher Education, School Education, and the Police. This preventive strategies in the larger interest of the student community. With these observations, the Criminal Original Petitions stand closed.”
Cause Title: Chandru & Ors. v. The Inspector of Police & Ors. (Crl.O.P.Nos.27676, 27493, 27688 & 28311 of 2024)
Appearance:
Petitioners: Advocates P Muthamizhselvakumar, S Mohan Raj and D Dhanasekar
Respondents: Government Advocate Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam
