Sun Jul 13 13:58:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The Kerala government is considering a new draft bill, the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging (Amendment) Bill, to strengthen its anti-ragging laws. The bill expands the definition of ragging to include online and digital forms, and broadens the scope of educational institutions covered, including universities, schools, coaching centers, and even transportation used by students. The bill also lists a comprehensive range of criminal acts, from causing bodily harm to theft, as part of ragging offenses. This comes after public outcry following the death of a student allegedly due to brutal ragging. The Kerala High Court has requested the State to share the Bill with legal authorities and the University Grants Commission.
**News Article:**
**Kerala to Sharpen Anti-Ragging Laws, Including Digital Harassment, Following Student Death**
**KOCHI, July 13, 2025** – The Kerala government is set to introduce stricter measures against ragging with a new draft bill that encompasses online and digital harassment, aiming to provide a safer environment for students across the state. The Kerala Prohibition of Ragging (Amendment) Bill, currently under consideration, seeks to update existing legislation to address evolving forms of abuse.
The bill broadens the definition of ragging to include any act performed through the internet or in a digital mode that causes humiliation or distress to a student. Furthermore, it expands the scope of educational institutions covered under the law, encompassing universities, schools, coaching centers, and even transportation facilities used by students. This comprehensive approach aims to eliminate ragging at every possible location.
The proposed legislation explicitly outlines a wide array of criminal acts that would be considered as part of ragging, including causing bodily harm, stripping, theft, extortion, criminal trespass, and even forcing students to consume tobacco, alcohol, or narcotics. This detailed list ensures that perpetrators face severe consequences for their actions.
The move comes in response to public outrage following the tragic death of J. S. Sidharthan, a 20-year-old student found dead in February 2024, allegedly after enduring brutal ragging at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Wayanad. His death sparked widespread protests and demands for stronger anti-ragging measures.
The Kerala High Court has recently directed the state government to provide a copy of the draft Anti-Ragging (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to the Kerala State Legal Services Authority and the University Grants Commission for their review and input. The bill is expected to be debated and potentially passed in the upcoming legislative session, marking a significant step towards eradicating ragging in Kerala’s educational institutions.
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