Age of adolescence ‘risky’, full maturity not at 18 but attained at 25: Kerala varsity to HC

The single-judge bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran, which is considering the petition, had earlier flayed the directive and sought views of all stakeholders, including the university.

In the affidavit, the university stated that “opening the gates of hostels without any regulation would be detrimental to the society at large if the same is done without a proper scientific study. Various studies conducted on adolescent behaviour point to the fact that the percentage (of) road accidents and fatalities, use of drugs and other substances, rate of suicides and homicides, etc, are very high among them.”

“It is respectfully submitted that the age of adolescence is too risky to be handled and seeking absolute freedom, which the petitioners may not even get at their homes is not justifiable,” the university stated.

In the affidavit, the university brought to focus medical aspects to substantiate its argument: “The age of maturity does not necessarily bring in brain maturation. Neurobehavioral, neuro-morphological, neurochemical, neurophysiological and neuropharmacological evidence suggests that the brain remains in an active state of maturation during adolescence. Such evidence support the hypothesis that the adolescent brain is structurally and functionally vulnerable to environmental stresses, risky behaviour, drug addiction, impaired driving and unprotected sex.’’

It stated, “The development of prefrontal cortex of the brain is very important for complex behavioural performance and the development and maturation of prefrontal cortex is fully accomplished at the age of 25 years.’’

The petitioners had highlighted their grievance relating to the regulation of exit and entry to hostels maintained by the colleges.

But the university told the HC that timings are fixed taking note of all eventuality and in the case of any genuine need, permissions could be obtained from the authorities concerned. The university is also duty-bound to ensure discipline in the affiliated colleges as well as hostels run by affiliated institutions.

“Basically, a hostel is different from a hotel or other similar accommodation available,” the university submitted in the affidavit. “Discipline in the hostel is ensured by regulating several activities, which take place in the hostel. Such regulations are necessary to ensure discipline in the hostel. Many such regulations also serve as a step to ensure the safety of students.