Concerned over the alarming rise in ragging incidents across Kerala’s educational institutions, the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) has taken a bold step by filing a public interest litigation (PIL) before the Kerala High Court. The plea demands stronger enforcement of anti-ragging measures and immediate intervention to curb the disturbing trend.
A Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S Manu briefly addressed the matter, indicating that it would be taken up alongside a related case scheduled for hearing on March 5.
KELSA’s petition underscores the inadequacy of current anti-ragging laws and urges authorities to revisit existing regulations, holding institutional heads accountable if they fail to prevent such incidents. The plea highlights shocking cases, including a brutal January 2024 incident at the Government Nursing College, Kottayam, where junior students were allegedly tied to a cot and assaulted with sharp objects. A video of the attack went viral, triggering widespread outrage.
Another case cited is that of Sidharthan JS, a 20-year-old veterinary student from Wayanad, whose death has been linked to ragging. Similarly, a student in Kozhikode was reportedly assaulted for simply wearing sunglasses on Arts Day.
Despite the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2009 regulations mandating strict anti-ragging mechanisms, KELSA argues that enforcement remains weak. The Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998, is also deemed ineffective, with past legal cases reflecting the authorities’ failure to act decisively.
Adding to the concerns, KELSA points out that the government-established Cell for Anti-Ragging Efforts (CARE) remains non-functional, further exacerbating the issue. The petition calls for immediate reforms, including the creation of State and District-level Monitoring Committees to oversee enforcement. These bodies would include government officials, legal service representatives, educators, parents, and civil society members to ensure comprehensive oversight.
KELSA also recommends stringent reporting mechanisms, requiring educational institutions to submit regular reports on anti-ragging efforts. Other proposed measures include a centralised grievance redressal system, anonymous reporting platforms, and public awareness campaigns to educate students and faculty on the dangers of ragging.
Beyond legal intervention, KELSA has offered its extensive network of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), Taluk Legal Services Committees (TLSCs), and panel lawyers to provide legal aid to victims. Additionally, the organisation seeks to mobilise its Victim Rights Centre to offer emotional and psychological support to affected students.
With the matter set for further deliberation in court, the pressure is mounting on authorities to take decisive action against ragging before more young lives are scarred—or lost.
