The Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have submitted their recommendations to the Kerala High Court for amending the Anti-Ragging Act and Rules. These proposals were prepared by a Working Committee formed to strengthen laws against ragging in educational institutions.
A Special Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C. Jayachandran reviewed the suggestions while hearing a petition filed by KeLSA addressing the growing problem of ragging in Kerala.
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UGC’s Key Recommendations
The UGC counsel proposed several changes to make anti-ragging measures more effective:
Time-bound investigations: A fixed deadline for decisions by anti-ragging committees and appeals.
Special Courts: Establishing dedicated courts to handle ragging-related criminal cases.
Expanded coverage: Including autonomous and affiliated colleges, hostels, and lodges under the law’s definition.
Warden’s role: Making hostel wardens mandatory members of anti-ragging committees.
"A structured legal process with clear timelines will ensure swift justice for victims," the UGC argued.
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KeLSA’s Suggestions for Stronger Protections
KeLSA’s recommendations focus on broader student safety and stricter penalties:
No ‘freshers’ distinction: Removing the term ‘freshers’ from regulations to protect all students, regardless of seniority.
Deemed abetment: Adding ‘wilful concealment of ragging’ as an offense under Section 7 of the Act.
State Monitoring Cell: Including a KeLSA nominee in the oversight body to ensure accountability.
"Ragging is not just a senior-junior issue; every student deserves protection," KeLSA emphasized.
Read also:- Kerala High Court Directs State to Submit Draft Composition of Working Group to Curb Ragging
Recent Ragging Cases Highlight Urgency
During the hearing, KeLSA informed the court about two recent ragging incidents in Wayanad and Malappuram. Details were submitted in sealed covers as they involved minors. An FIR has been filed in the Wayanad case, with district legal authorities assisting in investigations.
The Director General of Prosecution (DGP) stated that the drafting committee needs at least two months to consult stakeholders before finalizing amendments. The court allowed KeLSA to seek urgent intervention if required in the pending cases.
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Background of the Case
The petition was filed by KeLSA after the tragic death of J.S. Sidharthan, a veterinary student at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, who was found dead in his hostel following alleged ragging. The court had earlier directed the formation of a Working Group to revise the 1998 Anti-Ragging Act and Rules.
The next hearing is scheduled after two months.
Case Title: Kerala State Legal Service Authority v. Government of Kerala and Others
Case No: WP(C) No. 8600 of 2025