Delhi High Court Slams UGC Over Failing Anti-Ragging Framework as Student Deaths Rise

By Mr TPM | July 13, 2025 | New Delhi

In a stinging observation that has sent shockwaves across the academic and legal communities, the Delhi High Court has strongly criticized the University Grants Commission (UGC) for its “ineffective and outdated” anti-ragging framework, citing a disturbing increase in campus ragging incidents, including several recent student suicides.

The court’s rebuke came while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a group of concerned parents and activists following the alleged suicide of a 19-year-old engineering student at a reputed Delhi-based university last month.

The bench, comprising Justice Prathiba Singh and Justice Rajiv Shakdher, stated that the UGC had shown “gross negligence in both monitoring and enforcing anti-ragging measures,” despite numerous guidelines issued over the years.

“The Anti-Ragging Helpline is not enough. Students are dying, and colleges are covering it up. The UGC must be held accountable,” the court observed in its interim order.

A Rising Tide of Ragging Cases

The issue has come to national prominence in the wake of multiple ragging-related deaths and attempted suicides reported from universities in Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Odisha over the past six months.

A recent RTI reply revealed that the National Anti-Ragging Helpline received over 3,400 complaints between January and June 2025, a significant rise from previous years. Activists argue that this number is likely underreported due to fear of retaliation, institutional suppression, and lack of student trust in internal committees.

One of the most horrifying cases involved a first-year B.Tech student in Delhi, who jumped from his hostel rooftop after months of psychological abuse and physical assault by senior students. In his note, he wrote: “I complained, they ignored. I begged, they laughed.”

UGC’s Framework: More Paperwork, Less Protection?

Established under the 2009 Supreme Court directives, the UGC’s anti-ragging framework includes:

• Mandatory establishment of Anti-Ragging Committees and Monitoring Cells in all colleges
• A 24x7 National Helpline (1800-180-5522)
• Annual affidavits from students and parents
• Online complaint portal and periodic inspections

However, the Delhi High Court has noted that “most institutions treat these measures as a box-ticking exercise”, often failing to act on complaints, or worse, covering them up to protect their reputations.

“Universities are playing with the lives of students. The UGC has become a passive observer rather than a proactive regulator,” said Advocate Meena Kapoor, counsel for the petitioners.

Court Directives and Government Reaction

In its interim ruling, the High Court has issued multiple directions to both the UGC and the Ministry of Education:

1. A time-bound audit of anti-ragging mechanisms in all Central and State universities.
2. Formation of a judicial oversight panel to independently investigate serious ragging complaints.
3. Mandatory submission of quarterly reports by universities on complaint resolution.
4. Development of a student mental health and grievance redressal portal by the end of 2025.

The Ministry of Education has assured full cooperation, while the UGC has been asked to submit an affidavit within three weeks detailing steps it plans to take to improve monitoring and enforcement.

Student Voices and Public Reaction

The court’s remarks have triggered a wave of support from students and alumni who have shared their own ragging experiences on social media using the hashtag #StopRaggingNow.

“My first month in college was a nightmare. The anti-ragging cell did nothing. I’m glad someone’s finally calling out the system,” wrote a user on X (formerly Twitter).

Several student unions and youth organizations have demanded that ragging be treated as a cognizable offense, and that colleges failing to act on complaints be fined or de-recognized.

A protest march organized by National Student Forum (NSF) took place outside the UGC headquarters in Delhi on Friday, with demonstrators carrying placards that read: “UGC, wake up!” and “No more blood in hostels.”

Mental Health Crisis on Campus

Experts warn that the ragging crisis is just the tip of a larger mental health emergency unfolding across Indian universities. Lack of professional counseling, fear of stigma, and academic pressure are driving more students toward anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicide.

“Students are often isolated and afraid. When institutions turn their backs, they feel completely helpless,” said Dr. Neha Bhatnagar, a clinical psychologist who works with university students.

What’s Next?

With the Delhi High Court’s next hearing scheduled for August 6, stakeholders are waiting to see whether the UGC will bring about meaningful reform or offer another round of bureaucratic reassurances.

Education policy experts argue that unless enforcement becomes centralized, transparent, and student-friendly, India will continue to lose young lives to the toxic culture of ragging.

“It’s not enough to have rules. We need willpower. We need action,” said Radhika Sharma, co-founder of the Youth Rights Coalition.