HC directs district administration to remove seal on college

Chennai, Aug 27: The Madras High Court has directed the Villupuram district administration to remove within a week the lock and seal on a College of Homeopathy and Naturopathy, more than seven months after three of its girl students were found dead in a nearby well.

Justice M Sathyanarayanan granted the relief to the management, on the basis of a letter from Villupuram district collector favouring removal of the lock and seal now that the law and order situation had improved and students accommodated in alternative colleges.

Three students were found dead inside a well about a km from the SVS college of Homeopathy and Naturopathy on January 25.

The students had purportedly left behind a signed note levelling serious allegations of extortion and torture against the management.

College chairman Vasuki Subramanian and her son were arrested in connection with the incident, and the institution sealed following protests. Advocate S Duraisamy, counsel for the college, argued that further closure of the college premises was not necessary.

On his part, the district collector submitted a report to the court, saying "The college was sealed in public interest and to contain the tense situation that prevailed then. The intention of the district administration to seal the college was bona fide and was done in good faith."

"The demands of the agitators, including alternative arrangements for students who lost their education in view of closure of college, have been complied with and the case is being dealt by CB-CID. Law and order situation is under control, and, therefore, the seals may be removed," the report said.

Taking note of the report, Justice Sathyanarayanan directed the authorities on August 22 to remove the lock and seal on the premises/institution within a week.

PTI