The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to deposit ₹7 lakh as interim compensation to the family of Sidharthan J S, a 20-year-old veterinary student who allegedly died by suicide following ragging at Pookode Veterinary College in Wayanad.
The compensation had been recommended by the Kerala State Human Rights Commission. The High Court issued the order while hearing a state government plea challenging the Commission’s directive. Taking note of procedural lapses and delay, the court ordered that the amount be deposited in the court registry within ten days.
The bench also expressed concern over the government’s delay in filing the challenge and directed it to submit a detailed affidavit explaining the reasons for the belated move.
Sidharthan was found hanging in a bathroom inside the college hostel in February 2023. According to police, he had been subjected to ragging by fellow students, allegedly including activists of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M).
While the legal challenge continues, the court’s interim order ensures that the deceased student’s family receives timely financial support. The incident has reignited discussions around the persistent issue of ragging in educational institutions and the need for stronger safeguards for student welfare in Kerala.
