Punjab & Haryana High Court Orders Private University to Pay ₹1.37 Crore Compensation to Student Disabled After Wall Collapse

Chandigarh: In a significant judgment reaffirming the right to safety in educational institutions, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed a private university in Punjab to pay ₹1.37 crore as compensation to a former student who was left permanently disabled after a wall collapsed on her inside the campus.

The court observed that every student has the fundamental right to pursue education in a safe environment without physical danger, and this right is an essential part of Article 21 and Article 21A of the Constitution of India. The responsibility of ensuring such safety, the court noted, lies with the authorities entrusted with running the institution.

The High Court held Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, and the society managing it, Aasra Foundation, accountable for the incident and ordered them to pay the compensation.

Incident Occurred in 2013

The victim, Sandeep Kaur, was 23 years old and a final-year BSc student when the incident occurred on October 11, 2013. According to the case details, she had gone to a toilet within the university campus with a friend.

While her friend was inside a cubicle, Sandeep was reportedly sitting outside on a gatekeeper’s chair. Suddenly, a storm struck the area and the wall of the toilet collapsed, trapping her under debris. The accident caused a severe spinal injury, leaving her permanently disabled.

She was initially taken to the Civil Hospital in Mandi Gobindgarh and later referred to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, before being shifted to Alchemist Hospital, Sector 21, Panchkula for further treatment.

University Allegedly Failed to Cover Medical Expenses

In her petition, the student stated that university authorities had promised to bear the entire medical cost. However, she alleged that only ₹2.25 lakh was deposited until October 18, after which no further assistance was provided.

Medical assessment later confirmed that she had suffered 100% permanent disability.

Legal Battle Continued for 12 Years

The case remained entangled in legal proceedings for nearly 12 years. The petitioner also alleged negligence in the police investigation, claiming that instead of identifying the real responsible parties, only a university employee was made an accused. The trial court later acquitted the employee in April 2017.

Following this, the victim approached the High Court seeking enhanced compensation and fixing criminal liability.

Court Rejects University’s Defence

The university argued that it had offered ₹5 lakh as a final settlement and claimed that it could not be held liable as the wall collapse was not caused by its negligence. However, the High Court rejected the argument, stating that the toilet was located within the university campus and was under the university’s control and maintenance.

Court Highlights Impact on Student’s Future

While determining the compensation amount, the High Court noted that the student was academically promising and had several opportunities ahead after graduation. The court also acknowledged the emotional and personal loss caused by the incident, including the impact on her future life prospects.

The court ordered the university and the managing society to pay ₹1.37 crore along with 7.5% annual interest from the date of filing the petition until full payment. The respondents have been directed to release the amount within three months.