GS2Governance & Social Justice·14 Jun 2026·2 min read

Haryana Commission Orders Refund of Rs 2.42 Lakh to Harassed Student

The Haryana State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered a Bengaluru engineering college to refund a student's fee due to ragging. This decision highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring student safety and well-being in Indian higher education institutions. The refund of Rs 2.42 lakh is a significant outcome, as it acknowledges the institution's failure to provide a safe environment for the student.

•The recent order by the Haryana State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to refund the fee of a student who suffered harassment and humiliation due to ragging at a Bengaluru engineering college highlights the need for effective mechanisms to prevent such incidents.
•Ragging, a form of bullying, is a serious issue that affects many students in India, leading to physical and emotional trauma.
•The Right to Education Act 2009 and the Indian Penal Code have provisions to deal with such incidents, but the implementation remains a challenge.

The recent order by the Haryana State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to refund the fee of a student who suffered harassment and humiliation due to ragging at a Bengaluru engineering college highlights the need for effective mechanisms to prevent such incidents. Ragging, a form of bullying, is a serious issue that affects many students in India, leading to physical and emotional trauma. The Right to Education Act 2009 and the Indian Penal Code have provisions to deal with such incidents, but the implementation remains a challenge.

▸The University Grants Commission (UGC) has guidelines to prevent ragging in institutions.
▸The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) also plays a role in addressing such issues.
▸The Supreme Court of India has given directives to curb ragging in educational institutions.

How Ragging Affects Students

Ragging can have severe consequences on the mental health and well-being of students. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies. The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 provides for the rights of persons with mental illness, but the awareness and implementation of this Act are still lacking. In the case of the student from Ambala, the harassment and ragging led to him leaving his studies, which is a common outcome for many victims of ragging.

Significance and What Changes Now

The order by the Haryana State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission is significant as it recognizes the responsibility of educational institutions in preventing ragging. This judgement can set a precedent for similar cases in the future. The Consumer Protection Act 2019 provides for consumer rights, including the right to safety and security, which can be applied in such cases.

Did You Know? The National Anti-Ragging Helpline was launched in 2009 to provide assistance to students who are victims of ragging. However, the awareness about this helpline and its effectiveness in preventing ragging incidents remains a concern.

Challenges on the Ground

Despite the laws and guidelines, ragging continues to be a problem in many educational institutions. The lack of effective implementation and the fear of retaliation prevent many students from reporting such incidents. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the need for a safe and supportive learning environment, but the ground reality remains a challenge.

▸The Ministry of Education has a role in ensuring that educational institutions follow the guidelines to prevent ragging.
▸The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also plays a role in addressing human rights violations, including ragging.
▸The State Governments have a responsibility to ensure that educational institutions in their states are ragging-free.

Way Forward

To prevent ragging, it is essential to create awareness among students, teachers, and parents. Educational institutions must take proactive measures to prevent such incidents, including counseling, orientation programs, and strict disciplinary actions against those found guilty of ragging. The Central Government and State Governments must work together to ensure that the laws and guidelines are effectively implemented.