Kerala is set to amend its anti-ragging law, bringing online abuse, body shaming, and forced use of alcohol or tobacco under the definition of ragging. The draft Bill also extends its reach beyond campuses to cover public spaces commonly used by students.
The proposed Kerala Prohibition of Ragging (Amendment) Bill marks an overhaul of the original 1998 legislation. If passed, the law will treat ragging-related acts as criminal offences, including those committed through digital platforms.
The draft says any form of ragging carried out through the internet or digital devices will now be a cognisable offence. That means police can act without waiting for court permission.
The law could apply to students who circulate offensive videos, post demeaning content online, or pressure newcomers via group chats — actions that were often hard to pin down under older laws.
Forcing a student to drink alcohol, smoke, or consume drugs will be treated as ragging under the new definition. So will body shaming, asking someone to perform acts they wouldn't normally do, and any behaviour that causes physical or emotional harm.
The Bill also lists serious criminal charges that could be linked to ragging, such as abetment, criminal conspiracy, sexual acts, public nuisance, rioting, theft, and intimidation.
The proposed law covers more than just universities. It applies to all educational institutions — including schools, coaching centres, deemed universities, and teaching departments under government ministries.
Beyond the classroom, it covers hostels, playgrounds, canteens, public transport, home stays, and bus stands — essentially any space used by students for educational purposes in Kerala.
The draft amendment follows public protests over the death of J S Sidharthan, a 20-year-old student at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Pookode, Wayanad. He was found dead in February 2024, allegedly after being brutally ragged by peers.
While investigations continue, the incident brought fresh attention to how ragging is handled, especially in hostels and off-campus areas.
The Kerala High Court recently asked the State government to share the draft Bill with the Kerala State Legal Services Authority and the University Grants Commission. The court was acting on a petition filed by the Authority seeking stronger protections against ragging.
