Beset with violence & politics, other campuses try to turn over a new leaf
Kolkata: Law colleges in the city have a history of campus violence and skirmishes. While some, including the college where the gang rape took place on Friday, continue to grapple with such issues, others have made efforts in recent years to improve their reputation by enforcing discipline, adhering to academic schedules, and strengthening safety and security measures.
The college that came under the spotlight on Friday has witnessed vandalism and violence between rival students' groups. A few months ago, another south Kolkata-based institution, Jogesh Chandra Choudhury Law College, hit the headlines when students of the college had to organise the Saraswati Puja under police protection after Calcutta High Court intervened when students went to the court alleging intimidation by outsiders.
During the 1980s and 1990s, violence frequently occurred on law campuses in the city, including incidents of bombs being lobbed during union elections. Several former students from this period said entry into law campuses was unhindered. Some indicated that a reference from a former prominent Congress leader sufficed to secure admission to a law college near Sealdah. "Some of our batchmates at that time got their college admission forms while sitting at the leader's house, and political affiliation was the only criterion to get admission where merit didn't play any role.
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Jatindra Kumar Das, head of the department of law and dean, faculty of law, Calcutta University, stated that systematic classes and exams motivated students to study regularly, while the institution took necessary actions to enhance campus safety and security. "We have tried to reduce political interference by involving students in academics and other activities. Previously, classes were not held regularly, and students engaged in politics, leading to brawls and fights.
However, the situation has changed completely. We have restricted outsiders on campus, and students are encouraged to participate in academics and activities that aid their careers. These have helped us reform the college's image. Security was enhanced," he added.
Surendranath Law College was notorious for campus violence in the past. But it has improved its image considerably in recent years by implementing measures to address untoward incidents, particularly gender-based violence.
Shibasish Banerjee, visiting faculty and advocate at Calcutta HC, said: "We have a strong mechanism in place to prevent untoward incidents. The campus is almost entirely covered with CCTV cameras.
Students must vacate the common room by 2 pm. If there is a programme and students need to stay until late evening, access is limited to areas covered by CCTV cameras. We try to prevent students from staying beyond 8 pm. There is a grievance cell, and two female teachers are assigned duties to check on female students for any issues in college."
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