Kerala High Court Emphasises Strong Legal Framework to Combat Rising Ragging Cases

The Kerala High Court has stressed the urgent need for a solid legal framework to tackle the increasing cases of ragging in the state. The court instructed the government to establish a working group to draft rules for enforcing the anti-ragging law. Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C Jayachandran highlighted that although the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act was enacted in 1998, no rules have been formulated in the 27 years since.

To ensure comprehensive rules, the court suggested forming a multidisciplinary working group. This group could invite suggestions from individuals, experts, and non-governmental organisations. It could also evaluate whether amendments to the 1998 Act are necessary. The government must present the proposed composition of this group at the next hearing on March 19.

Anti-Ragging Committees and Monitoring

The court directed the state to submit a counter-affidavit detailing whether District-Level Anti-Ragging Committees, as required by the 2009 UGC Regulations, have been established. If these committees exist, relevant orders or resolutions must be presented. The state should also provide details about the roles of these committees and the State-Level Monitoring Cell.

If these bodies have been formed, a report on their activities over the past five years is required. If not, the government must provide a timeline for their formation. The court warned that it would set a timeline if none is provided. The bench emphasised that anti-ragging committees must also be formed at institutional and university levels.

KeLSA's Petition and Court's Observations

The court's observations came during a hearing of a petition filed by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA). KeLSA sought effective implementation of anti-ragging laws and a monitoring mechanism. The petition cited recent ragging incidents in various colleges as evidence of ineffective enforcement of existing laws.

KeLSA argued that addressing ragging requires a structured legal and monitoring framework. This framework should ensure strict adherence to anti-ragging laws while providing immediate support and redressal mechanisms for victims. They proposed establishing State-Level and District-Level Monitoring Committees to oversee compliance with guidelines and regulations.

Involvement of Various Departments

The court issued notices to several departments, including Higher Education, Women and Child Development, and others, summoning them for the next hearing on March 19. The University Grants Commission (UGC) was also made a party in the case. On Tuesday, a special bench was constituted to hear KeLSA’s plea.

KeLSA highlighted that ragging remains a deeply entrenched social issue in educational institutions, causing severe harm to students. They emphasised that only through robust monitoring at both state and district levels can this issue be effectively tackled.

The Secretary of the Higher Education Department was instructed to gather information from universities in Kerala regarding committee formations. Similarly, universities must collect details from their affiliated institutions. All relevant information must be presented at the next hearing.