PRINCIPAL Vs. VICE CHANCELLOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who is the Principal of Mother Arts and Science College, Peruvallur, Thrissur, a Private Self Financing Minority College affiliated to the 4 th respondent- University of Calicut, seeks to quash Ext.P1 order of the 2 nd respondent- Dean of Students Welfare. The petitioner seeks to declare that respondents 1 to 4 have no authority to interfere / sit in appeal against the disciplinary authority of the Principal of a Self Financing Minority College.

(2.) The petitioner states that the 5 th respondent and 6 th respondent were BBA students in the College. On 5/11/2024, a violent and verbal altercation took place between the two at the College gate bus stop. A complaint in this regard was received. The allegation was that while the 6 th respondent was attempting to board a private bus, the 5 th respondent forcefully pulled her out of the bus by hair causing the 6 th respondent to fall on the road. Thereafter, respondents 5 and 6 involved in violent physical attack and verbal abuse, which quickly escalated into a group fight when other female students got involved in the altercation.

(3.) Respondents 5 and 6 were placed under suspension for a week from 8/11/2024 pending enquiry. An Enquiry Commission consisting of five faculty members enquired into the incident and submitted Ext.P2 interim report and Ext.P3 final report. The Commission recommended dismissal of respondents 5 and 6 and lesser punishments on others involved in the incident. Ext.P4 notice of expulsion dtd. 22/11/2024 was issued on respondents 5 and 6. The disciplinary action taken against them was reported to the 2 nd respondent-Dean as per Ext.P4(a) communication.