Haryana human rights body calls for report from OP Jindal varsity on anti-ragging measures

Terming ragging as a grave violation of human rights that undermines the right to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, the Haryana Human Rights Commission has directed the Registrar of OP Jindal Global University, Sonepat, to appear in person and submit a comprehensive report on preventive and disciplinary measures following an alleged incident of ragging on campus.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a report carried in these columns, the full commission—comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia—observed that ragging was not merely a matter of indiscipline but a serious offense infringing upon fundamental rights.

The commission asserted that ragging fostered a hostile and unsafe environment in educational institutions, hampering learning and violating the right to education. Acts of physical and psychological abuse, it stated, directly threatened the right to life and liberty, as these could lead to severe trauma and even fatalities in extreme cases. The right to equality was also compromised, with marginalised students often being disproportionately targeted, reinforcing discrimination rather than inclusivity. The commission also observed that ragging humiliated victims, stripping them of their dignity and confidence, making it imperative for universities to implement stringent anti-ragging measures.

“Educational institutions are duty-bound to provide a safe learning atmosphere. Universities must enforce a zero-tolerance policy against ragging and implement strict preventive measures, including awareness campaigns, surveillance mechanisms, and confidential complaint redressal systems. Disciplinary action against perpetrators should be swift and decisive to reinforce the principle that ragging has no place in an academic setting. Furthermore, support services such as counselling should be extended to victims to help them cope with trauma and continue their education without fear,” the commission observed.

Directing the Registrar to submit a detailed report, the commission sought information on the preventive measures in place at the university to curb ragging; disciplinary action against the accused students; support mechanisms for victims to ensure their safety and mental wellbeing and compliance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) and anti-ragging regulations.

The directions follows reports of two separate incidents of ragging on campus, following which six students were booked for subjecting their peers to physical assault, humiliation, and threats. Dr Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information, and Public Relations Officer, said the Registrar had been specifically instructed to present the report in person to ensure full accountability and transparency. The matter will be taken up for further hearing on May 14.