The Kerala High Court’s special bench, formed to handle ragging cases, has taken a crucial decision to include the University Grants Commission (UGC) as a party in such cases. This decision was made during the first sitting of the special bench.
The bench recommended that the state government formulate special regulations for colleges under the Anti-Ragging Act and consider setting up a working group for the same. Additionally, the court directed the state government to submit a reply affidavit regarding this matter.
The High Court emphasized that the activities of the district and state-level anti-ragging committees must be documented and verified. If these committees have not yet been formed, the government must inform the court of the required timeframe. The court also stated that existing anti-ragging laws are under review.
It was clarified that district and state-level committees are responsible for formulating regulations under the Anti-Ragging Act. The High Court issued a directive to include UGC as a party in the case and instructed that notices be sent to all concerned parties.
Yesterday, the Chief Justice-led division bench of the High Court recommended forming a special bench to handle ragging cases.
The decision follows a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Kerala Legal Services Authority in response to the increasing cases of ragging in schools and colleges across the state. Based on this, the special bench was set up.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and the mother of a victim named Siddharthan have initiated steps to become parties in the case. The court also noted that a review is necessary to determine if amendments to the existing ragging laws are required.
