- 19-Apr-2025
- Healthcare and Medical Malpractice
Ragging is a severe form of harassment that occurs in many educational institutions, affecting students' mental and physical well-being. To combat this menace, India has stringent laws and regulations that specifically protect students from ragging. The Supreme Court of India has laid down specific guidelines for institutions to prevent and address ragging. Students have strong legal rights to protect themselves from ragging and to seek justice if they are victims of such abuse.
Ragging is a criminal offense under Indian law. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Supreme Court of India have clearly prohibited ragging in any form. Institutions are required to take preventive steps to stop ragging and punish those involved in such acts.
Ragging includes any act of physical or mental harassment, intimidation, humiliation, abuse, or violence directed at a fellow student, especially those who are new to the institution. It can include any form of forced activity, verbal abuse, or physical assault.
The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly ruled that ragging is unconstitutional and unlawful, violating students' fundamental rights under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). In its judgments, the Court emphasized that no student should be subjected to ragging, and institutions should adopt stringent measures to eliminate ragging from campuses.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) mandates that all higher educational institutions must implement anti-ragging measures and form anti-ragging committees. These committees are responsible for preventing ragging, addressing complaints, and ensuring that students' rights are protected.
All new students and their parents or guardians are required to sign an anti-ragging affidavit before admission. This affidavit states that the student will not indulge in ragging and will report any incidents of ragging.
Students have the right to study in a safe and supportive environment, free from any form of harassment, including ragging. Any violation of this right can be challenged through legal means.
If a student is subjected to ragging, they have the right to file a complaint with the anti-ragging committee of the institution. If the institution fails to take action, the student can approach police authorities and file a first information report (FIR).
The identity of the ragging victim should be kept confidential, and the victim should be protected from any further harassment or retaliation. Educational institutions must ensure that no harm comes to the victim during the investigation.
Students involved in ragging may face both criminal charges and institutional disciplinary actions. Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), ragging can lead to charges under sections such as Section 354 (outraging modesty), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), and Section 323 (causing harm).
The institution has the authority to expel any student found guilty of ragging. Other disciplinary actions may include suspension, fines, or rustication (temporary removal from the institution).
Depending on the severity of the ragging, the accused students can face imprisonment. In extreme cases where the ragging leads to physical injury, mental trauma, or suicide, the offenders can be sentenced to up to three years of imprisonment along with a fine.
If the college or university fails to take action against the perpetrators, the student can file a complaint with the local police station under sections of the IPC related to assault, harassment, or abuse. The police are obliged to investigate and take appropriate action.
The UGC has set up a national helpline for students to report incidents of ragging. The helpline allows students to file anonymous complaints and receive immediate assistance.
In cases where the educational institution does not act on the complaint or where the punishment is not deemed adequate, the student can file a petition in the High Court or Supreme Court to seek justice and demand further action.
Institutions are legally required to prevent ragging by conducting orientation programs for students, creating awareness, and setting up anti-ragging squads. Institutions should also ensure that there is a zero-tolerance policy for ragging.
If a complaint of ragging is made, the institution must investigate the matter immediately. The accused students must be suspended or placed under investigation until a final decision is made. Educational institutions are also mandated to report incidents of ragging to the police.
If Anjali, a first-year student in a university, is subjected to mental harassment and physical abuse by senior students (ragging), she has the right to report the incident to the anti-ragging committee at the university. If no action is taken by the institution, she can lodge an FIR with the police, and the offenders can face criminal charges under the Indian Penal Code. She can also approach the National Anti-Ragging Helpline for immediate support and assistance. The institution must also ensure her safety and confidentiality during the process.
Students in India are entitled to legal protections against ragging under Indian law. The UGC and the Supreme Court have established strong guidelines for educational institutions to prevent and act against ragging. If a student is subjected to ragging, they have the right to file complaints, seek disciplinary action against the perpetrators, and pursue legal recourse through the police or courts. Educational institutions must provide a safe environment and take all necessary steps to protect students from any form of ragging.
Answer By Law4u Team
Discover clear and detailed answers to common questions about General. Learn about procedures and more in straightforward language.
