Definition of Ragging
- The Supreme Court defined ragging in Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Union of India (2001).
- Ragging includes disorderly conduct, spoken or written, humiliating freshers or juniors.
- It covers rowdy or undisciplined behaviour causing psychological or physical harm.
- Acts instilling fear, shame, or apprehension among students qualify as ragging.
- Forcing students to perform acts causing embarrassment or distress constitutes ragging.
- Ragging may involve physical, verbal, psychological, or sexual abuse.
Recent Incidents and Statistics
- Kerala (2025): Ragging incident at Government Nursing College, Kottayam, surfaced via video.
- UGC Helpline (2009–2023) recorded over 8,000 ragging complaints nationwide.
- Complaints rose 208%, from 358 (2012) to 1,103 (2022).
- 78 student deaths allegedly linked to ragging between 2012–2023.
- Highest deaths reported in Maharashtra (10), UP and Tamil Nadu (7 each).
- Highest complaints from Uttar Pradesh (1,202) and Madhya Pradesh (795).
Consequences of Ragging
- Impact on Victims
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- Causes physical injuries, disabilities, and occasionally deaths.
- Leads to anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies.
- Results in academic disruption, absenteeism, and poor performance.
- Triggers stress-related health disorders and substance abuse.
- Legal and Academic Consequences
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- Punishable under IPC Sections 323, 506, 509, and 306.
- Penalties include suspension, expulsion, blacklisting, and scholarship cancellation.
- Criminal records adversely affect future employment prospects.
- Institutional and Social Impact
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- Institutions face reputational damage and declining admissions.
- Non-compliance risks UGC funding cuts and de-recognition.
- Parents suffer emotional trauma and financial burdens.
Challenges in Combating Ragging
- Weak enforcement of Supreme Court and UGC regulations persists.
- Clause 9.4 of UGC Regulations remains unenforced since 2009.
- Fear of retaliation discourages victims from reporting.
- Cultural acceptance of ragging as an initiation ritual continues.
- Anti-ragging committees often lack authority and effectiveness.
Committees and Legal Framework
- Unny Committee (1999) emphasised student safety and grievance redressal.
- Raghavan Committee (2007) recommended affidavits, FIRs, and strict discipline.
- UGC Regulations (2009) prescribe penalties for institutions failing to prevent ragging.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 addresses offences linked to ragging.
- Several States enacted specific anti-ragging laws.
Way Forward
- Enforce UGC Clause 9.4 and ensure swift legal action.
- Strengthen technology-based monitoring and anonymous reporting systems.
- Promote awareness, mentorship, and behavioural change initiatives.
