Dr Shahana suicide: HC division bench stays order allowing Ruwais to continue studies

Kochi: The division bench of Kerala High Court on Wednesday stayed a single bench order that allowed Dr Ruwais, the accused in the suicide of Dr Shahana, to continue his PG medical studies. 

The action was taken based on a plea moved by the Principal of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, where both the deceased and the accused studied. The court has also directed the disciplinary committee of the college to reconvene. The case will be heard again after two weeks.

Ruwais was allowed to continue his studies based on an order issued by Justice CP Mohammed Nias. The court also stayed an order issued by the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) suspending Ruwais.

The court observed that the 28-year-old earned admission to the PG course on merit, and restricting him from studies pending the inquiry or trial would place him in a situation where irreparable damage might occur if the charges are not proven. The court had also directed the college authorities to allow admission within a week. 

The interim order also directed the college authorities to take precautions to avoid untoward incidents. The single bench’s order was on a petition from Ruwais seeking to withdraw the suspension and allow him to continue his studies. 

Dr Shahana committed suicide on December 4, 2023, after marriage talks between her and Ruwais’ family broke down owing to exorbitant dowry demands. A case has been registered under the crime of abetment of suicide and under the Dowry Prohibition Act. The accused was granted bail by the high court.