Former Kasargod College Principal Approaches Kerala High Court For Quashing Disciplinary Proceedings Initiated Against Her

The Division Bench comprising Justice A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen stated thus, "All actions pursuant to disciplinary proceedings are deferred". 

The petitioner, Dr Rema was working as Principal in charge of Government College, Kasargod. She claimed that she took strict action against drug abuse and other anti-social activities taking place in the college. She alleged that persons on the pretext of campus politics entered the college campus for drug abuse and exploitation of students.

In her plea, she alleged that students entered her office and sought immediate action against contaminated drinking water in the college. The students alleged that they were asked to drink contaminated water by the petitioner. It was alleged that the petitioner locked the students in her office since the situation worsened.

On the other hand, the petitioner stated that she had to lock her office since question papers and money were kept there. She alleged that students misused her photos and videos to make false claims against her that she forced them to drink contaminated water.

The students also alleged that the petitioner did not permit students to sit in front of her. On the other hand, the plea stated that the petitioner protested against taking her photos and videos and had asked a student to get up from the chair since he was sitting in the chair and taking photos and videos. The petitioner was removed from the post of principal in charge.

The petitioner alleges that the media has falsely reported the events and that false complaints were filed by students before the Human Rights Commission. She alleged that no action had been taken against students for manhandling her and false allegations were made against her by student organizations owing allegiance to the ruling party. 

The plea further stated that a show cause notice was issued against her and enquiry was conducted. She alleged that she was also transferred under the pretext of maintaining academic harmony. Her transfer order was challenged before the High Court and the proceedings were pending.

She alleged that the charge memo and statement of allegations issued against her which were unsustainable in law. She alleges that an enquiry report was issued against her and an enquiry officer was also appointed without considering her explanations. She alleges that disciplinary proceedings were initiated against her for denying retirement benefits since she was due to retire on March 31, 2024. She thus seeks to quash the entire disciplinary proceedings initiated against her.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on January 13, 2023

The plea is moved by Senior Advocate George Poonthottam, Advocates Nisha George, A L Navneeth Krishnan

Case title: Dr Rema M v The Director Of Collegiate Education And Others

Case number: OP KAT 109/2024