The Madras High Court has stressed the urgent need for a dedicated and structured approach to address the growing behavioral concerns among students. Observing the rising trend of student clashes, especially between Pachaiyappa’s College and Presidency College, the Court recommended the formation of a Special Committee. This committee is expected to include statesmen, scholars, psychoanalysts, and officials from the Departments of Human Resource Development, Higher Education, School Education, and the Police.
During the hearing of bail petitions filed by four students accused in the fatal assault of a Presidency College student named Sundar, the Court, led by Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira, expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of students in violent activities. The students had reportedly clashed during their commute, which tragically ended in Sundar’s death.
“Criminals are made, not born. No parent wants their child to become an anti-social element, and dedicated teachers strive to instill ambition and good values. Society too cannot tolerate such behavior. The root cause may lie in a lack of empathy rather than sympathy. Institutions must not ignore these issues merely because they occur outside the campus or involve only a few students,” the Court stated.
Earlier, the Court had granted bail to the accused students on December 2, 2024, imposing a unique condition that they serve in the Trauma Wards of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. The Court believed this experience would make the students understand the value of human life and reflect on their actions. Compliance reports later confirmed that the students had indeed learned significant lessons while assisting trauma care staff.
“After reviewing all submissions and reports, this Court believes the issue demands urgent intervention by Educational Authorities. As the saying goes, ‘as the twig is bent, so grows the tree.’ Immediate measures must be taken at the college level, but long-term solutions require early intervention starting from school with regular parent-teacher interactions to identify and address behavioral issues,” the Court added.
The Court also pointed out that a decade-long analysis revealed 231 criminal cases involving students. Out of these, 58 cases involved Pachaiyappa’s College students, and 28 involved Presidency College students. The report, submitted by the Additional Director General of Police after discussions with the DGP and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kilpauk, highlighted the persistent nature of the problem.
The judge highlighted that many of the students involved in these cases came from challenging family backgrounds. Parents, often single or struggling financially, placed immense hope in their children, dreaming of seeing them become the family’s first graduate. However, the Court observed that despite these noble intentions, students sometimes fail to understand their parents' sacrifices and drift toward destructive behavior.
The Court was particularly disheartened by the fact that two of Chennai's most prestigious educational institutions, known for their rich legacies and distinguished alumni such as mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, former Chief Minister Arignar C.N. Annadurai, and Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman, were now frequently associated with violent student clashes.
“Institutional responsibility doesn’t end at campus gates. Students’ behavioral patterns are a reflection of both school and social influence, and ignoring these patterns is no longer an option. The matter needs immediate and long-term planning,” the Court noted.
Various stakeholders, including the Student Federation of India and NGOs like Satta Panchayat Iyakkam, also made submissions during the proceedings. They emphasized the importance of student representation and offered recommendations to prevent future conflicts.
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In conclusion, the Court stressed the importance of early intervention and a collective effort involving families, educational institutions, and the government. It recommended the formation of a Special Committee to implement preventive strategies, with the ultimate goal of securing the welfare and future of the student community.
With these directions, the Court closed the petitions on April 17, 2025.
Counsel for Petitioner: Mr.P.Muthamizhselvakumar, Mr.S.Mohan Raj, Mr.D.Dhanasekar
Counsel for Respondents: Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam Government Advocate (Crl. Side), Mr.R.Thirumoorthy (for intervenor)
Case Title: Chandru and Others v. The Inspector of Police
Case No: Crl.O.P.Nos.27676, 27493, 27688 & 28311, of 2024
