Despite recommendations made a year ago, the state government has yet to implement the curbs and checks suggested to nip the rampant practice of ragging in higher educational institutes. Gujarat State Law Commission (GSLC) submitted its report to the state legislative department, earlier in 2022.
The report highlighted a couple of judgments issued by the Supreme Court, a report by former CBI director R.K. Raghavan and a verdict issued by Justice J.B. Pardiwala, then Gujarat HC judge and now a Supreme Court judge, suggesting the state government to bring in a law to curb the practice of ragging in educational institutes. “It is the worst kind of humiliation for junior/fresh students who come with hope and aspirations and look forward to the seniors for guidance, support and protection. There is critical need to curb the practice which takes a serious toll on the mental and emotional health of the student subjected to ragging,” the GSLC report stated.
“Such instances have to be prevented with great care and vigilance, and if at all it occurs it should be dealt with firmly and in accordance with law. As stated above, the inhuman and barbaric practice of ragging has all along been decried by various institutions including the judicial fora,” it noted.
The GSLC concluded that for prevention of ragging in all the educational and professional institutions, including schools, the government should introduce legislation as per the regulations of the UGC. Whoever commits such unwanted activity of “ragging” within or outside the educational and professional institutions should (on conviction) be punished with adequate imprisonment and fine and such offence should be cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.
It also stated that a student convicted for ragging should not be admitted to any other institutions for three years. An inquiry should be initiated within seven days of a complaint being filed by a student, and if the allegations are found to be true, the accused should be suspended for such a period as may be deemed fit. The complaint moved by students should also be forwarded to the nearest police station to take further action as per the grievance.
