REFLECTING THE public outrage over the death of medical student Aman Kachroo due to ragging by his seniors in a Himachal Pradesh college, the Supreme Court on Monday threatened to cut off government aid to institutions that have failed to implement its orders to prevent ragging.

“Time has come for cutting off financial aid to these institutions which are not complying with the directions,” said a bench headed by Justice Arijit Pasayat.

The bench issued showcause notices for initiating contempt proceedings against the principal and registrar of Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Kangra, where Kachroo’s seniors allegedly beat him to death. It ordered the Medical Council of India to inquire into the allegations of negligence against a doctor who treated Kachroo.

The court also issued contempt notices to the registrar and principal of Bapatla Agriculture and Engineering College in Guntur district of AP , where a girl student was allegedly forced to strip and dance by her seniors. The replies have to be filed by March 30.

Welcoming the Supreme Court’s notice, Aman’s father Dr Rajender Kachroo expressed hope that on the next date of hearing the court would order exemplary punishment for contempt to send a message that crimes in the name of ragging would not be tolerated.