Mon Mar 17 07:44:31 UTC 2025: ## Kerala to Toughen Anti-Ragging Laws After Recent Incidents

**Thiruvananthapuram, March 17, 2025** – The Kerala government is considering amending the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act of 1998 to include stricter penalties following a series of high-profile ragging incidents on college campuses. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu announced the potential amendment in response to a calling attention motion in the Kerala Assembly on Monday.

The current Act prescribes a maximum of two years imprisonment and a ₹10,000 fine. MLA N. Samsudheen highlighted the inadequacy of the current law, citing several recent cases, including the brutal ragging of a student at Government College of Nursing, Kottayam; the death of J.S. Sidharthan at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode; and a recent incident at Government College, Karyavattom. He argued that the law lacks teeth and does not address cyber-ragging, claiming convictions have been rare.

Minister Bindu acknowledged the concerns, stating that while anti-ragging committees and squads are in place across higher education institutions, further action is needed. She detailed the government’s response to the recent incidents, including arrests, suspensions, and the cancellation of admissions for those involved. The investigation into Sidharthan’s death has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the request of his parents.

The Minister also highlighted preventative measures, such as awareness programs, undertaking agreements signed by students and parents pledging against ragging, and the possibility of debarring students found guilty of ragging from examinations. The government’s commitment to tackling ragging and strengthening existing legislation is clearly evident in the Minister’s statement.

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