The Kerala High Court has strongly emphasized the need for a dedicated and stringent anti-ragging law in the state, stating that the existing University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, though stringent, are not sufficient to eradicate the menace of ragging from educational institutions.
The observation came from Justice D.K. Singh, who was hearing two writ petitions filed by Dr. M.K. Narayanan, Dean of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (KVASU), and Dr. R. Kanthanathan, Assistant Warden of the Men's Hostel, who were accused of administrative lapses that allegedly led to the tragic suicide of a second-year student, Sidharthan J.S., in February 2024.
“Though the UGC Anti-ragging Regulations are stringent, they have not deterred unruly behaviour. The State must frame a stringent law providing severe punishment for ragging activities in educational institutions to stop this menace,” the Court stated.
The unfortunate incident occurred on February 18, 2024, when 21-year-old Sidharthan, a BVSc student, was found hanging in his hostel bathroom. An inquiry by the anti-ragging squad confirmed that he was subjected to brutal ragging by seniors. Despite receiving complaints via the UGC anti-ragging helpline, the administration failed to act in time.
A three-member committee, formed by the University, found both the petitioners guilty of failing to provide a safe and secure environment. The Vice Chancellor was also criticized for his lack of vigilance and failure to take preemptive measures despite knowing about previous ragging incidents.
“No effective action has been taken against the petitioners despite findings of serious dereliction of duty. The Court cannot ignore the gross administrative failure that contributed to a young student’s death,” Justice Singh remarked.
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The Court rejected the argument that the Chancellor had no authority in disciplinary matters, clarifying that the Chancellor holds wide supervisory powers, including the right to remove or suspend any authority within the University.
The Commission of Inquiry, headed by former High Court Judge Justice A. Hariprasad, also submitted a scathing report pointing out:
- The Vice Chancellor’s failure to monitor campus discipline.
- Inaction and lack of inspection by the Dean and Assistant Warden.
- The absence of CCTV surveillance, resident tutors, and security personnel in hostels.
It recommended preventive steps including tighter surveillance, restricted hostel timings, regular PTA meetings, awareness campaigns, and stricter implementation of UGC regulations.
Supreme Court Precedents on Ragging
The judgment cited key Supreme Court rulings such as Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Government and University of Kerala v. Council of Principals, highlighting that ragging is not just a disciplinary issue but a grave violation of human rights. The apex court had earlier emphasized that ragging must be eradicated through combined efforts of institutions, state, and society.
“Ragging is not just mischief; it’s an abuse of human dignity. Institutions must ensure zero-tolerance policies are effectively enforced,” the Court noted.
The High Court ordered the University to initiate departmental proceedings against the petitioners within three months and directed them to fully cooperate. The petitions were disposed of with strong remarks against administrative apathy.
Case Title: Dr. Kanthanathan R. v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Case No: WP(C) No. 33291 of 2024 and connected petition
Counsel for Petitioners: Praveen H., G. Hariharan, K.S. Smitha, Sneha M.S.,Amal Dev D., P.C. Sasidharan
Counsel for Respondents: Premchan R. Nair (State), P. Sreekumar (Chancellor), Manu Govind (KVASU), Nisha George (Mother of deceased)