Kerala Legal Body Takes Fight Against Ragging to High Court

• Kochi, Kerala – The Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) has stepped up to address the troubling rise of ragging in the state’s schools and colleges.¹ They’ve filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Kerala High Court, essentially asking the court to demand stronger action against this harmful practice.²

Why This Matters

• Ragging, which can involve everything from humiliating pranks to serious physical and emotional abuse, continues to be a problem in educational institutions.³ Recent incidents have highlighted the need for more effective measures.
• KELSA’s move comes after a series of disturbing ragging incidents, including a particularly brutal case at the Government Nursing College in Kottayam, that have caused public outcry.⁴
• The death of veterinary student Sidharthan JS in Wayanad, also due to ragging, has also played a large role in the push for more action.

What KELSA Wants

• Essentially, KELSA is pushing for a more robust system to prevent and punish ragging.⁵ This includes:
  • The creation of state and district-level monitoring committees to keep a close eye on anti-ragging efforts.⁶
  • A review of existing anti-ragging laws to make them more effective.
  • Making sure that schools and colleges are held accountable for preventing ragging.⁷
  • The reactivation of anti ragging cells that have fallen into disuse.
  • The creation of confidential feedback loops, and 24/7 helplines.⁸

What This Means for Students

• If the High Court agrees with KELSA, it could lead to safer learning environments for students across Kerala.
• It could also mean stronger punishments for those who engage in ragging, and better support for victims.
• The goal is to ensure that students can focus on their education without fear of abuse.

What’s Next?

• The Kerala High Court has formed a special bench to hear the PIL, showing the seriousness of the issue.⁹
• The court will review KELSA’s arguments and decide whether to order the state government to take stronger action.

In essence, KELSA is acting as a voice for students, pushing for a system that truly protects them from the dangers of ragging.¹⁰

About Author

Akshita Garg is a career driven law student at Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, blending analytical precision with a passion for justice. With a foundation in Botany from Hansraj College, she brings a unique perspective to legal research and advocacy. Her experience spans legal drafting, research, and social impact initiatives, gained through internships at leading firms and NGOs. Known for her critical thinking and effective communication, she is committed to navigating the complexities of law to drive meaningful change.