HC directs AG to probe students clash in law college

Chennai, Nov 20 (UNI) The Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu Advocate General G Masilamani to inquire into the cause of the clash between two groups of students at Dr Ambedkar Law College campus in the city on November 12.

The Public Interest Litigation(PIL) filed by a group of advocates, seeking direction to the Government to restore normalcy in the Law College and also sought direction to take stringent action against police officials, who remained silent at the time of clash, came up for further hearing before the first bench comprising Chief Justice A K Ganguly and Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla. The Government Pleader Raja Kalifulla filed the counter affidavit of new city police Commissioner K Radhakrishnan.

After perusal of the counter, the Chief Justice said about 30 law students were facing criminal cases and several FIRs pending against them for resorting to agitation in the college campus, as well as at hostel. The Chief Justice wanted to know, how the wrong-doers were allowed to continue their studies.

The Bench wanted to restore normalcy, dignity and morality in the Law College, which brought so many eminent judges of the Madras High Court, he added.

The Bench asked Mr Masilamani to assess indiscipline among the law college students, before submitting his report on November 25.

The Bench also directed the Advocate General to take assistance from legal fraternities, who were appearing on behalf of the petitioners in this issue. The Bench also directed him to look into the problems afflicting the college, including police inaction and inadequate infrastructure facilities.

The Bench made it clear that there should not be any political and Government interference into the inquiry.

The Bench also directed the University Vice Chancellor, Director of legal studies, college authorities and the police to extend their cooperation in conducting the enquiry without fear or favour.

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