After 20 years, it’s time to dust off and use this law, lawyer says

Many universities have not charged students under the anti-ragging law even though it was passed more than 20 years ago, Supreme Court lawyer Shihar Hassen said, offering his services free to anyone wanting justice against perpetrators.

Mr. Hassen, who has carried out an intensive study on ragging, said there have been 16 known deaths due to the practice. “No justice has been done to these people,” he said.

The Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions

Act No. 20 of 1998, he said, is very strict and penalises not only perpetrators but also those who endorse ragging or do not take any action to stop it.

Offenders can be sentenced to up to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment. Magistrates have no power to grant bail to people charged under the law, and any appeal can only be heard by the higher courts, Mr Hassen said, adding that the High Court may only grant bail in special circumstances.

The anti-ragging law also stipulates five to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment for abduction or unlawfully restraining a person. Damage to personal property that occurs during ragging will attract prison sentences of up to 10 years.

Section 8 of the Act orders dismissal of student and does not allow the student to continue his studies in any other state university.

Mr. Hassen said he and his lawyer friends are willing to take up cases free of charge if university students want to take legal action against perpetrators. Students needing help could call 0777-119169.