The Kerala High Court has instructed the State government to submit a draft composition of the working group responsible for framing comprehensive rules to combat ragging. The directive was issued on March 19, with the State given a one-week deadline to comply.
A special bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C. Jayachandran emphasized the need for a stronger legal framework to tackle ragging effectively. The Court had previously directed the formation of a multidisciplinary working group that would include ex-officio members and nominated experts from various fields. This group is expected to draft new rules and assess whether amendments are required in the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998.
Initially, the State was expected to submit the draft composition by March 19. However, following a request from the Government Pleader, the Court granted additional time. The bench reiterated the urgency of the matter, stating:
"According to us, what we sought for is the draft of the working group and have already given 2 weeks' time for the purpose. Considering that the matter is to be looked at on urgent basis, we grant one week's time to the State to submit the draft composition of the working group. Once the working group is so constituted, the suggestions of the petitioner and the other respondents as well as the applicants seeking impleadment can be placed before this working group."
Background of the Case
The case was initiated through a petition filed by the Kerala Legal Service Authority (KeLSA), highlighting the growing menace of ragging in the State. The issue gained prominence after the tragic death of JS Sidharthan, a second-year undergraduate student at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. He was found dead in the men's hostel washroom at Pookode village, Wayanad.
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His mother, Sheeba MR, has also sought to be impleaded as a party to the PIL. She alleged that university authorities ignored ragging incidents on campus, ultimately leading to her son's preventable death. She urged the State to enforce stricter laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Additionally, MLA Ramesh Chennithala has sought impleadment in the case. He argued that drug abuse in educational institutions and political backing for certain student groups contribute significantly to the rise in ragging incidents. He has advocated for granting the Police and Excise departments more authority to handle the issue effectively.
The next hearing of the case is scheduled for March 26.
Case Title: Kerala State Legal Service Authority v Government of Kerala and Others
Case No: WP(C) 8600/ 2025
