Kochi: Cases of ragging in educational institutions continue to be a serious concern, yet legal convictions under the Anti-Ragging Act remain rare in Kerala. Despite numerous complaints, the state has seen only one instance where students were sentenced to imprisonment for ragging. This occurred in 2005 when three senior students from the School of Medical Education (SME), Kottayam, were convicted for gang-raping a first-year BSc Nursing student under the guise of ragging. Two of the offenders received ten years of rigorous imprisonment, while the third was sentenced to three years in jail. The case was tried under the Indian Penal Code alongside the Anti-Ragging Act.
The Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998, stipulates a punishment of up to two years of imprisonment for those found guilty. Additionally, in 2001, the Supreme Court of India imposed a nationwide ban on ragging, reinforcing legal measures against the practice. In 2009, the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced comprehensive anti-ragging regulations, mandating colleges to establish anti-ragging squads and committees. As per these regulations, if an initial investigation finds merit in a ragging complaint, it must be reported to the police.
Despite these stringent measures, faculty members note that many cases fail to reach legal conclusions due to out-of-court settlements, particularly when complaints arise from student rivalries. Moreover, colleges often discourage police involvement to protect their reputation, leading to unresolved cases.
To tackle this issue, the UGC has set up a toll-free helpline to ensure prompt action against ragging incidents. Complaints lodged through this helpline are immediately forwarded to the local police, college authorities, and the respective university. The authorities are then regularly contacted to track the progress of the case.
The Anti-Ragging Act extends its jurisdiction beyond college campuses to hostels and affiliated institutions. Hostel wardens are legally required to report any ragging incidents directly to the police through the principal, without waiting for a preliminary inquiry.
UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline:
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-180-5522
- Email: [email protected]
Ensuring strict enforcement of these laws and encouraging victims to report incidents without fear of retaliation is crucial in making educational institutions safer for students.
