Kerala is poised to strengthen its stance against ragging with the introduction of the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This new legislation aims to update the existing anti-ragging laws, some of which are over two decades old, to address contemporary forms of abuse, including body shaming and digital harassment.

The draft bill explicitly recognizes "any form of ragging committed through the internet or in any digital mode" as a criminal act. This includes instances of cyberbullying, online harassment, and the use of digital platforms to perpetrate abusive behavior. Furthermore, the bill broadens the definition of ragging to include body shaming, or acts that target a student's physical appearance. It also encompasses actions that force students to do things against their will, such as consuming tobacco, alcohol, or other prohibited substances.

The Kerala Prohibition of Ragging (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to cover all educational institutions, including universities, deemed universities, and schools. It also extends to all premises of these institutions within Kerala. By expanding the scope of the law, the government intends to create a safer environment for students across all levels of education.

In addition to broadening the definition and scope of ragging, the draft bill proposes the establishment of anti-ragging committees and squads in all educational institutions, as well as anti-ragging cells in all police stations throughout the state. These committees will include representatives from faculty, non-teaching staff, senior and junior students, parents, civil and police administration, local media, and NGOs involved in youth affairs. The Station House Officer of the local police station will also be an ex-officio member of the committee. The anti-ragging squads, nominated and headed by the head of the institution, will conduct surprise raids and checks on hostels and other areas where ragging is likely to occur. The bill also proposes a state-level monitoring cell and a nodal officer to oversee and coordinate anti-ragging efforts across Kerala.

The draft legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting the privacy of victims of ragging. It seeks to prevent the publication of any information that could reveal the victim's identity, including their name, address, photograph, or family details. The bill makes ragging a cognizable and non-bailable offense, underscoring the seriousness with which the government views this issue.

The bill outlines stringent penalties for those found guilty of ragging, including suspension, expulsion, withholding of results, and cancellation of admission. Institutions that fail to comply with the provisions of the law may face the withdrawal of grants, funds, scholarships, affiliation, or recognition.

The Kerala High Court had previously directed the state government to enact more stringent legislation to address ragging, following several instances of ragging in educational institutions. The court emphasized the need for severe punishments to deter such activities and prevent further loss of life.

The Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act of 1998 defines ragging as any physical or mental torture, or any disorderly conduct toward a student that causes apprehension, dread, humiliation, or agitation. It includes harassment, insulting, teasing, bullying, and manhandling. The Act prescribes punishment for those who commit, participate in, abet, or propagate ragging, with imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of up to ten thousand rupees. The 1998 act also stipulates that any student convicted of ragging shall be dismissed from the educational institution and barred from admission to any other institution for three years.

With the introduction of the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Kerala is taking proactive steps to create a safer and more respectful environment for students. By addressing contemporary forms of ragging, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and ensuring accountability, the state aims to eliminate this menace from its educational institutions.