The Calcutta High Court expressed concerns over the prevalence of ragging in universities across West Bengal and the lack of implementation of the RK Raghavan Committee’s report. The committee was constituted by the Supreme Court in 2009 to reduce instances of ragging. The plea arose from the tragic death of a first-year student at Jadavpur University due to incidents related to ragging and violence. A division bench comprising CJ TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya has directed the implementation of the committee’s report, including the regular conduct of student elections, the constitution of anti-ragging committees and squads, and the appointment of functionaries as recommended by the committee. The petitioner, an advocate appearing in person, submitted that the report, which had been validated by the Supreme Court in 2009, had not been implemented across the state. The state argued that universities would need to apply for permission if they wanted to conduct elections, and that the state would provide the necessary machinery. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on September 19.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed against Jadavpur University alleging mismanagement and ragging. In the recent court hearing, it was noted that several student unions previously directed to be arraigned were now defunct. The court opined that the university needs to launch a door-to-door drive of its hostels to ensure that ex-students do not continue to reside on campus. The students will be given 24 hours to vacate their rooms. The court also remarked that the defunct student unions cannot continue to issue statements on the university’s affairs. The case has been listed for further hearing on September 26.
Written by B. Krishna nikhitha of KL University Vijayawada Andhra Pradesh ( 5th semester )an intern under Legal Vidhiya
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