The Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) has filed a PIL in the Kerala High Court, urging a stronger mechanism to tackle the growing issue of ragging in educational institutions. Citing a concerning rise in such incidents, KELSA emphasized the need for stricter measures. The petition seeks enhanced enforcement of anti-ragging laws to ensure student safety. The court’s intervention is expected to improve preventive and punitive actions against ragging.
The Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) submitted a public interest litigation (PIL) plea to the Kerala High Court, expressing serious concerns about the escalating issue of ragging in educational institutions across the state.
During a brief hearing today, a Bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S Manu informed KELSA’s counsel that a related case is scheduled for discussion tomorrow, March 5.
Also Read: Ragging Deaths Surge: Complaints Rise While Supreme Court Guidelines Remain Unenforced
The Court stated,
“Tomorrow, we will take it up with the other Bench. Time will be notified,”
In its plea, KELSA urged the High Court to compel the State government to implement stricter anti-ragging measures. The organization argues that current anti-ragging laws require revision and enhancement, and that heads of institutions who fail to prevent ragging incidents should be held accountable.
KELSA is seeking the Court’s immediate intervention to address the rising instances of ragging and to ensure the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring mechanism across educational institutions.
The petition references alarming incidents, including a severe case from January 17, 2024, at the Government Nursing College in Kottayam, where junior students were reportedly subjected to extreme ragging.
The petition describes how victims were tied to a cot and injured with sharp objects, with a video of the incident circulating online and provoking public outrage. It also highlights other distressing cases, such as the death of 20-year-old veterinary student Sidharthan JS in Wayanad, which is linked to brutal ragging, and an incident in Kozhikode where a college student was assaulted for wearing sunglasses on Arts Day.
KELSA highlights that despite the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2009 regulations mandating the establishment of Anti-Ragging Committees and rigorous monitoring, ragging persists unabated. It points out the ineffectiveness of the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998, and cites previous court cases where the judiciary criticized the lax enforcement of anti-ragging laws.
Additionally, KELSA raised concerns regarding the inactive status of the Cell for Anti-Ragging Efforts (CARE), set up under a High Court directive, arguing that the government has not taken the necessary actions to ensure its operation.
To tackle these challenges, KELSA proposed the formation of a State-level Committee and District-level Monitoring Committees to supervise the enforcement of anti-ragging laws. These committees should include representatives from the government, legal service institutions, educators, parents, and civil society.
Moreover, KELSA recommends that educational institutions and government departments be mandated to submit regular reports on anti-ragging initiatives to enhance accountability.
It has also suggested implementing a centralized grievance redressal mechanism, establishing anonymous reporting channels, and launching public awareness campaigns to inform students and faculty about the repercussions of ragging.
Additionally, KELSA offered its network of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), Taluk Legal Services Committees (TLSCs), and panel lawyers to provide legal support to victims of ragging. The organization also proposes involving its Victim Rights Centre to deliver comprehensive support, including emotional and psychological assistance, to affected students.
The petition has been filed through advocate A Parvathi Menon.
Case Title: KELSA v Government of Kerala
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
