Author: Samridhi Singh, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University
TO THE POINT
Ragging, which was preliminarily misknew as a inoffensive induction ritual in academic institutions, has converted into a serious violation of mortal quality and rights. In malignancy of increased mindfulness, legislative measures, and judicial affirmations, ragging still poses a peril to the saintship of academic settings. It’s much further than a correctional problem; it’s a serious violation of introductory mortal rights encompassed within public and global legal schemes
USE OF LEGAL JARGON
In the environment of Indian indigenous justice, ragging qualifies as a direct violation of Composition 21 of the Constitution, which secures the Right to Life and particular Liberty.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in its major verdict in University of Kerala v. Council of Headliners of Colleges( 2009), labeled ragging as an” inhuman practice”, editorializing that any physical or cerebral injury caused to a pupil in the name of induction is against the Constitution. likewise, ragging also infringes upon the Right to Equality guaranteed under Composition 14, by formulating unstable scales between scholars, and Composition 19( 1)( a), by stifling the freedom of speech and expression of the victims through fear and intimidation. likewise, the acts of ragging tend to invite correctional vittles under the bharatiya nyaya sanhita(BNS) similar as • Section115– freely causing hurt, • Secton 506 – felonious intimidation • Section354 – felonious force or assault on a woman with the intention to outrage her modesty,
Internationally, ragging is contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights( UDHR), specifically Composition 5, which bans” torture or cruel, inhuman or demeaning treatment or discipline.” The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights( ICCPR) also stipulates under Composition 7 shall be subordinated to torture or to cruel, inhuman or demeaning treatment.”
The Proof
Colorful reported cases show the ghastly consequences of ragging, similar as deaths, self-murders, internal trauma, and long- term cerebral diseases. Some of the most significant incidents that prove the violation of mortal rights are
1. Aman Kachroo Case( 2009) – A 19- time-old medical pupil in Himachal Pradesh succumbed to death caused by fatal injuries given by elderly scholars. The case came a public shame and urged the UGC to review and strengthenanti-ragging laws.
2. M. Thomas( Tamil Nadu, 2007) – A pupil took his own life after ceaseless sexual importunity and ragging, exposing the deeply embedded poisonous virility and silence over similar practices in boys’ caravansaries .
3. Payal Tadvi Case( 2019) – A postgraduate medical pupil from a marginalized group took her own life in Mumbai following constant estate- grounded ragging. The case emphasized intersectional abuse and exfoliate light on the absence of institutional responsibility.
4. AIIMS Incident( 2006) – further than 60 new rookies reported methodical ragging involving forced disrobing, sexual importunity, and sleep privation. A premier institution like AIIMS could not help the systemic abuse. As per the records gathered by the anti-ragging helpline established by the UGC, thousands of complaints are filed every time, with several others being unreported in expectation of retribution and institutional incuriosity. This high prevalence indicates the structural aspect of the abuse and the incapability of institutions to guard scholars’ rights. Abstract Ragging is further than a correctional issue; it constitutes a gross mortal rights violation, especially the right to life, quality, and freedom from cruel, inhuman, or demeaning treatment. It remains a scourge in Indian seminaries and sodalities despite the presence of expansive laws and regulations. Ragging consists of physical violence, demotion, cerebral torture, and sexual abuse, violating public indigenous safeguards and transnational mortal rights scores. The law declares ragging unequivocally unlawful under domestic law( Indian Constitution, IPC, UGC Regulations) and under transnational conventions similar as the UDHR and ICCPR. Judiciary and government agencies have honored the problem but operation remains patchy and tardy in nature. Institutions of learning need to transfigure from a reactive to a visionary station by developing a culture of respect, forbearance, and empathy. strict perpetration of anti-ragging canons, sensitization camps, and victim support systems are necessary in order to maintain the quality of academic surroundings and cover scholars’ essential rights. Ragging is not tradition it’s torture. relating it as a violation of mortal rights is not only a legal demand but a moral imperative
CASE LAWS
Ragging, constantly disguised as a passage ritual in educational institutions, has turned into a major peril to the quality, internal well- being, and indeed life of scholars. The following case laws reflect this view.
1. University of Kerala v. Council of Headliners of Colleges, Kerala & Ors.( 2009) In this literal judgment, the Supreme Court of India took suo moto cognizance of the matter following Aman Kachroo’s brutal payoff in a medical college during ragging. The Court asked the University subventions Commission( UGC) to prepare regulations to help ragging and held that ragging is not a question of indiscipline but a violation of the Right to Life under Composition 21 of the Indian Constitution. The court ruled ” Ragging is violation of mortal rights.”
2. Aman Kachroo Case( 2009) – Himachal Pradesh This was not an insulated case of ragging but a blatant case of reproachable homicide not amounting to murder. Aman, a pupil of drug in the first time, was beaten to death by four seniors who were drunk. The case gave rise to a public movement against ragging and urged the authorities to take tough legal measures, including the establishment of a 24x7anti-ragging helpline and public database.
3. R.K. Raghavan Committee Report Though not a judicial ruling, this commission was constituted on the orders of the Supreme Court to recommend anti-ragging strategies. It stressed the fact that ragging is an violation of mortal quality and proposed preventative as well as corrective action. The commission placed ragging on par with” a mortal rights abuse” and proposed making the institutional heads liable for inactivity under the felonious law.
4. Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Government( 2001) This was a case of child abuse but established a significant precedent. The Supreme Court held that it was the responsibility of the State to cover its people, particularly vulnerable groups of people like scholars, from any abuse, violence, or inhuman treatment. This can be applied veritably directly to ragging cases, strengthening the responsibility of the State in precluding similar practice in public and private institutions.
5. Ashok Kumar Thakur v. Union of India( 2008) While having to do further with education and reservation, the case said all scholars have a right to learn in a safe and secure terrain from fear and violence, reiterating that internal importunity in seminaries goes against indigenous guarantees.
CONCLUSION
Ragging is not so much a matter of discipline or a regrettable college tradition—it is a
cruel and often brutal
abuse of human rights. It defiles the ideals of dignity, equality, and liberty enshrined in national constitutions as well as international human rights instruments. While its apologists tend to camouflage ragging behind the cloak of “tradition” or “ice-breaking,” the fact is that it involves long-term psychological damage, physical harm, and in some unfortunate cases, even death.
Even with tough anti-ragging legislations and campus regulations in nations such as India, Sri Lanka, and others, implementation and enforcement are patchy and uneven. Frequently, institutions refrain from acting against powerful offenders or fear loss of reputation. Victims also remain muted for fear of retaliation or social exclusion. This systemic silence worsens the issue and creates a culture of impunity.
International human rights treaties like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Convention Against Torture (CAT) all strongly condemn any form of degrading treatment. Ragging, which typically entails physical attack, mental torture, or forced bondage, falls directly within this category.
Judicial orders such as the classical Vishwa Jagriti Mission v. Central Government and University of Kerala v. Council of Principals of Colleges have strengthened the necessity for preventive and anticipatory measures against ragging. These judgments accept ragging as a violation of a student’s basic rights and instruct institutions to adopt measures like surveillance, anonymous complaint systems, and constant sensitization sessions.
Ragging has to be treated as a mass human rights crisis and not just an education or cultural crisis. It requires a multi-faceted solution that includes legislation, sensitization, psychological counseling, student action, and most importantly, a cultural transformation within academic environments. Universities need not only a zero-tolerance attitude towards ragging but also create places where solidarity, understanding, and peer attachment are fostered through positive, voluntary methods—never coercion and brutality.
The battle against ragging, therefore, is a battle against human dignity. Removing ragging from our schools and universities is not merely a legal and administrative function—it is a moral obligation. This is the only way we can assure that schools and colleges become secure, caring environments where students are empowered, not destroyed.
FAQS
Q1: What is ragging, and why is it a human rights violation?
A: Ragging is any form of physical and psychological abuse, humiliation, or harassment perpetrated on a student, usually by seniors, usually in the name of “introduction” or “induction.” It is a violation of human rights since it is against a person’s right to dignity, freedom, equality, and security as assured under constitutional and international law.
Q2: What are some of the legal provisions against ragging in India?
A: India has various laws and guidelines to counter ragging:
Indian Penal Code (IPC): Secs. 323 (hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 342 (wrongful confinement), and 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman) can be applied.
Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act in some states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
The above laws render a punishable offense the act of ragging with punishments ranging from suspension, expulsion to criminal charges.
Q3: What are the most important judgments in regard to ragging in India?
A
University of Kerala v. Council of Principals of Colleges (2009) – The Supreme Court held ragging a criminal offense and asserted the jurisdiction of the UGC to institute anti-ragging regulation
Q4: What is the role played by educational institutions in preventing ragging?
A: Institutions are the frontline soldiers against ragging. They are legally and morally bound to:
Form anti-ragging committees and squads.
Display clearly anti-ragging guidelines.
Organize periodic counseling and orientation to fresh students.
Provide anonymous reporting means.
Ensure strict disciplinary action against perpetrators.
Failure to do so can lead to derecognition or grant withdrawal by UGC or other accrediting agencies.
Q5: What are the psychological impacts of ragging on its victims?
A: Victims of ragging can suffer:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and depression
Sleep disorders
Social withdrawal
Loss of academic interest
Suicidal tendencies
In extreme situations, victims have withdrawn from institutions or committed suicide, underlining the severe emotional impact of ragging.
Q6: How can students safeguard themselves against ragging?
A:
Utilize helplines such as UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522).
Keep family and friends informed when college starts.
Refuse to go along with illegal or humiliating acts even if coerced.
Record any incidents (audio, video, text) as proof, if it is safe to do so.
Q7: Is ragging prohibited across the world or just in India?
A: Ragging, or such initiation practices (hazing, pledging), in different forms prevails around the globe and is increasingly being condemned. Nations such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, and America have strong anti-hazing laws. Yet, their enforcement and cultural attitudes differ greatly. In India, ragging is specifically criminalized under different laws and institutional rules.
Q8: Can victims of ragging claim compensation ?
A: Yes. Victims can:
File criminal complaints under IPC provisions.
Proceed to Human Rights Commissions or State Education Tribunals.
Suit the institution or offenders for compensation in civil courts
Seek protection and assistance services through NGOs and student rights groups.
Q9: What has the government done to eliminate ragging?
A Made online affidavits compulsory for students and parents during admission.
Issued instructions to educational institutions to constitute anti-ragging committees.
Imposed penalties, such as withdrawal of UGC grants, on defaulting institutions.
Instituted anti-ragging awareness campaigns in schools and colleges.
Q10: What can society as a whole do to eradicate ragging?
A:
Parents and guardians need to be watchful for early signs of distress in students
Alumni and seniors can guide juniors positively instead of indulging in or abetting ragging.
Civil society groups may operate helplines, offer counseling, and augment advocacy efforts.
Policy makers need pto ensure regular audits, stricter enforcement, and examination of anti-ragging measuresntion, and total justice.
