Kerala, Dec 21: Students obtaining absolute freedom upon attaining the age of18 may not be appropriate and good for the society, the Kerala University of Health Sciences has told the High Court on Tuesday.
The University made the submission in response to a petition challenging restrictions imposed by the Kozhikode Government Medical College authorities on female students from going out of college hostel after 9.30 PM.
“The adolescent brain is structurally and functionally vulnerable to environmental stress, risky behavior, drug addition, impaired driving and unprotected sex,” the university stated and added, “one would attain full brain development only at the age of 25”
The University further stated, “sleepless nights and nightlife are not meant for students and it is the duty of the university to frame regulations contemplating sufficient rest to them”
It may be recalled that the High Court had recently criticized the notification barring female students from going out of the hostel after 9.30 PM. It also questioned why should there be a curfew for girls alone when there are no such restrictions for boys.
According to the University, hostels are not tourist homes as they are meant for providing accommodation for students to pursue studies. “No element of discrimination was involved in the order and it recognizes the right to have equal treatment to the students without any gender bias,” the University stated in its submission.
“Discipline in a hostel is of primary importance and it also necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the students who live in the hostels,” the university stated and added, “The time limits at the hostels are prescribed taking note of different factors involved. Generally, the academic activities would get over much before 9.30 PM and even the libraries and laboratories would be closed by that time”
The University, however, clarified that the students could go out of hostels with the permission of the wardens who were responsible for maintaining safety of the students.
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