Tue Jul 01 10:36:51 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Kerala High Court has ordered the Kerala government to deposit ₹7 lakh into the court registry as compensation to the family of Sidharthan J.S., a veterinary student who died in February 2024 due to alleged ragging. This follows an order by the State Human Rights Commission for the government to provide the compensation. The court has also questioned the government’s delay in challenging the commission’s order and has requested a detailed affidavit explaining the delay.

**News Article:**

**Kerala High Court Orders Deposit in Ragging Death Case**

**Kochi – July 1, 2025** – The Kerala High Court today directed the Kerala government to deposit ₹7 lakh in its registry as compensation for the family of Sidharthan J.S., a veterinary student who died last year following allegations of severe ragging. The ruling comes in response to a petition filed by the state government challenging a previous order by the State Human Rights Commission, which had mandated the compensation.

Sidharthan, a 20-year-old student at Pookode Veterinary College in Wayanad, was found dead in his hostel room in February 2024. Police reports indicated that he had been subjected to ragging by fellow students, including members of the CPI(M)’s student wing, SFI.

The court has given the government 10 days to deposit the ₹7 lakh. In a surprising turn, the court also expressed concern over the delay in filing the state’s petition against the Human Rights Commission’s order. It has demanded a detailed affidavit from the government explaining the reasons behind the delay. The case continues to draw significant attention, raising questions about student safety and the effectiveness of anti-ragging measures in educational institutions across Kerala.

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