[Ragging At CMC Vellore] Madras High Court Closes Suo Moto Proceedings After College Lists Out Actions Taken

Acting Chief Justice T Raja and Justice D Krishnakumar took note of the 'preventive actions' taken by the college to ward off any future incidents of ragging.

A police complaint was filed after a video went viral detailing the incidents of mass ragging at CMC Vellore. Based on the complaint, seven students were suspended.

Following news reports of the incident, the Court took suo moto cognisance of the incident. On the previous hearing, the counsel for the college, Krishna Srinivasan informed the court that the college had taken swift action in response to the incident. The college informed the court that the Principal had convened a meeting with the wardens and governing body of the men's hostel on the same day. Further, he had directed the anti-ragging squad to inquire into the matter.

A Specific Inquiry Committee (SIC) comprising five senior professors was also constituted. The SIC had found seven students involved in ragging of their juniors and they were subsequently suspended.

The counsel had further informed the court that the college had zero tolerance towards ragging and strict action would be taken against any person found guilty, including staff.

Yesterday, the counsel submitted the status report informing the actions taken by the college. It was submitted that following the incident, the college had increased the number of CCTV cameras around the campus. Ten students were suspended in connection with the incident. Further, full time wardens were appointed and security personnel were deployed to take rounds of the college at all times to prevent any future incident.

Additionally, the anti-ragging committee was to inspect the college and the hostel throughout the day and make entries detailing the time of such inspections. An external monitoring committee was also set up which consisted of members from outside the college. The counsel further submitted that college had taken all possible measures and this incident should not be a blot on the institution.

"We have already suspended 10 students. Now there is a fear of god in the minds of the students. Let this not be a blot on the institution," he submitted.

Satisfied with the measures taken, the court closed the suo moto proceedings.

Case No: WP No. 30271 of 2022