KELSA files PIL in Kerala High Court for stronger mechanism to combat ragging

The Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) plea before the Kerala High Court, raising concerns about the growing menace of ragging in educational institutions across the State [KELSA v Government of Kerala]..The matter was briefly taken up today by a Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S Manu, which informed KELSA's counsel that a related matter is slated to come up for hearing tomorrow, March 5. "Tomorrow, we will take it up with the other Bench. Time will be notified," the Court said. .By its plea, KELSA has called on the High Court to direct the State government to enforce stricter anti-ragging measures. It has contended that existing anti-ragging laws should be revisited and strengthened and that institutional heads who fail to prevent ragging incidents must be held accountable. .It has sought the Court's immediate intervention to curb the rising instances of ragging and to ensure the implementation of a robust monitoring mechanism across educational institutions.The petition cited disturbing incidents, including a January 17, 2024, incident at the Government Nursing College, Kottayam, when junior students were allegedly subjected to severe ragging. Reports indicated that the victims were tied to a cot and injured with sharp objects. A video of the incident surfaced online, sparking public outrage. .The petition also highlighted other similar incidents, such as the case of Sidharthan JS, a 20-year-old veterinary student in Wayanad, whose death has been linked to the brutal ragging he endured. Another incident cited was of a Kozhikode college student being physically assaulted for wearing sunglasses on Arts Day.KELSA emphasised that despite the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 2009 regulations against ragging, which mandated Anti-Ragging Committees and strict monitoring mechanisms, ragging continues unchecked. The organisation pointed out that the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998, also remains ineffective and highlighted previous caselaws where the Court had criticised the weak enforcement of anti-ragging laws.KELSA further raised concerns about the inoperative status of the Cell for Anti-Ragging Efforts (CARE), which was established following a High Court directive. It has contended that the government has failed to follow through with the necessary actions to ensure its functioning..To address these issues, the KELSA has called for the constitution of a State-level Committee and District-level Monitoring Committees to oversee the implementation of anti-ragging laws.It suggested that these committees should include representatives from the government, legal service institutions, teachers, parents, and civil society. It has also recommended that educational institutions and government departments be required to submit regular reports on anti-ragging measures to establish more accountability.KELSA has further proposed measures such as a centralised grievance redressal mechanism, anonymous reporting channels, and public awareness campaigns to educate students and faculty on the consequences of ragging.Moreover, KELSA has offered its network of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), Taluk Legal Services Committees (TLSCs), and panel lawyers to provide legal assistance to victims of ragging.Additionally, KELSA has suggested involving its Victim Rights Centre to provide holistic support, including emotional and psychological assistance, to affected students..The petition has been moved through advocate A Parvathi Menon.