Siddharth's death: High Court criticises government, orders to deposit seven lakh rupees

KOCHI: The High Court has ordered that the compensation awarded by the National Human Rights Commission to the family of Pookode Veterinary College student JS Siddharth, who committed suicide due to ragging, should be deposited within 10 days.

An amount of seven lakh rupees should be deposited. The order of the commission was dated October 1, 2024. The interim order of the division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji was issued on a petition filed by the government challenging it. Pointing out that the government's petition was filed after eight months, the court expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of explanation for this. The court also directed that the petition be amended and submitted with the reason stated.

The Human Rights Commission had ordered the Chief Secretary to appear in person for not complying with the order. The government filed the petition after this. 'If the order to pay compensation was opposed, the petition should have been filed immediately. The government felt the need to approach the court only when the officer was asked to appear,' the division bench criticised.

The government has sought an exemption from the Chief Secretary from appearing before the Commission in person. The court has directed that this demand be raised before the National Human Rights Commission and that the Commission, if it receives an application, consider it. The award of compensation will be subject to the court's decision.

The National Human Rights Commission's order was based on a complaint by BJP leader Sandeep Vachaspati. The government argued that the Commission does not have the authority to pass such an order on a complaint from a third party. The petition also states that the procedure has not been followed. The petition will be heard on July 11.