Court cites prima facie evidence of repeated humiliation and discrimination against a Scheduled Caste student, reinforcing the bar on anticipatory bail under the SC/ST Act.
In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court, led by Justice A. Badharudeen, denied anticipatory bail to Dr. M. Kodanda Ram, a teacher accused of abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination against Nithin Raj, a Scheduled Caste student. The court upheld the decision of the Special Judge under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, citing prima facie evidence of repeated humiliation and derogatory behavior towards the student.
The case, registered under Crime No.202/2026 by the Chakkarakkal Police, revolves around the suicide of Nithin Raj, a first-year BDS student at Anjarakkandy Dental College, on April 10, 2026. The prosecution alleges that Dr. Kodanda Ram, along with another accused, subjected the victim to continuous mental harassment, including caste-based insults, leading to his tragic death.
During the hearing, the court examined statements from multiple witnesses, including classmates of the deceased, who recounted instances where the accused referred to students as "dogs," "idiots," and "fools," with specific derogatory remarks aimed at Nithin Raj. The court noted these actions amounted to intentional insult and intimidation with the intent to humiliate within public view, as defined under Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act.
Justice Badharudeen emphasized the moral responsibility of teachers as role models and condemned the alleged misconduct, highlighting the need for unbiased grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions. The court also dismissed the defense's argument that the victim's suicide was solely due to loan-related harassment, asserting that the overt acts of the teacher were sufficient to establish prima facie abetment to suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing caste-based discrimination and ensuring accountability within educational settings. The court's decision also reinforces the bar on anticipatory bail under Section 18 of the SC/ST Act, emphasizing the importance of protecting marginalized communities from systemic bias and abuse.
The Kerala High Court's judgment serves as a reminder of the critical role educational institutions and their faculty play in fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all students, regardless of their caste or background.
Bottom line:-
Anticipatory bail - Denied to a teacher accused of abetment to suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and offenses under Section 3(1)(r) and 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (as amended in 2018), based on prima facie evidence of repeated humiliation, insults, and caste-based discrimination against a Scheduled Caste student.
Statutory provision(s):
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Section 108, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 Sections 3(1)(r), 3(2)(v), and 18.
Dr. M. Kodanda Ram v. State of Kerala, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc id # 2927089
