Kochi, June 1 (IANS) In a strong indictment of the culture prevailing in some of Kerala’s medical colleges, the Kerala High Court on Monday suggested the constitution of a high-level committee to examine allegations of harassment by faculty members and recommend corrective measures to protect students.

The observations came during the hearing of an anticipatory bail plea filed by a dental college professor accused in a case linked to the suicide of a student recently.

However, the court’s remarks went far beyond the facts of the individual case and touched upon what it described as a larger and deeply troubling problem within professional educational institutions.

Justice A. Badharudeen observed that the issue had become serious enough to warrant a systematic enquiry by the State government.

“In Kerala, medical colleges are ruining students. No doubt about it. They are very cruelly treating students, even PG students. Many complaints. It is a very, very serious matter,” the judge remarked during the proceedings.

Expressing concern that many students remain silent out of fear of academic repercussions, the court noted that victims are often unwilling to challenge teachers or college authorities despite facing sustained harassment.

The judge suggested that an independent committee be constituted to gather confidential feedback from students, study the extent of the problem and recommend remedial measures.

The court also drew attention to what it described as a dangerous cycle of institutional behaviour, comparing it to a ‘mother-in-law syndrome’, a situation where individuals who once suffered harassment go on to perpetuate the same practices after attaining positions of authority.

The observations come at a time when concerns over student mental health, academic pressure and alleged faculty intimidation have been increasingly reported from professional colleges across the country.

The issue gained renewed attention following the death of a dental college student in Kannur earlier this year, a case that sparked widespread debate on caste discrimination, academic harassment and accountability within higher educational institutions.

Student organisations and education activists have long demanded stronger grievance-redressal mechanisms, independent complaint systems and greater oversight of professional colleges.

With the High Court now calling for institutional intervention, the spotlight has shifted from an individual criminal case to a broader question confronting Kerala’s higher education sector, whether enough is being done to protect students from abuse of authority inside campuses.

The matter will come up again before the High Court next week.

–IANS

sg/rad