Introduction: Shree L R Tiwari College of Law (SLRTCL) is deeply committed to providing a ragging-free environment that nurtures the holistic development of its students. To ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students, the college has established an Anti-Ragging Committee. This committee works proactively to prevent any form of ragging on campus and ensures a swift and effective redressal mechanism for complaints. Ragging, as defined by law, is a criminal offense, and the institution adopts a zero-tolerance policy toward it.

Objectives: The Anti-Ragging Committee aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Prevention of Ragging: Create a ragging-free atmosphere within the college premises by implementing a strict anti-ragging policy and regularly conducting awareness programs.
• Grievance Redressal: Provide a systematic redressal mechanism for victims of ragging and ensure prompt action is taken against the perpetrators.
• Support for Victims: Offer emotional and psychological support to victims of ragging through counseling sessions and moral guidance.
• Legal Awareness: Educate students about the legal consequences of ragging, as per the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).
• Fostering Inclusivity: Promote an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of background, is treated with dignity and respect.

Principles: The Anti-Ragging Committee operates on a set of core principles aimed at creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students:

• Zero Tolerance: Ragging is a serious offense, and no incident, regardless of its perceived severity, will be tolerated.
• Confidentiality: The identity of complainants and any information related to ragging complaints is kept strictly confidential.
• Fair Investigation: All complaints of ragging are investigated thoroughly, following the principles of natural justice.
• Preventive Measures: Proactive efforts are taken to create awareness among students to deter them from indulging in any form of ragging.
• Legal Compliance: The committee operates in strict accordance with the anti-ragging regulations laid down by UGC, the Supreme Court of India, and other regulatory bodies.

Composition of the Anti-Ragging Committee: The Anti-Ragging Committee comprises members from various departments within SLRTCL as well as external members to ensure unbiased decision-making. The committee is formed as per UGC guidelines and includes:

• Chairperson: A senior faculty member or the Principal of the college.
• Faculty Representatives: A minimum of four faculty members from different departments, responsible for overseeing student behavior.
• Student Representatives: At least two student representatives (one from the junior batch and one from the senior batch) to ensure student perspectives are included in the proceedings.
• External Member: An external representative, preferably from the legal profession, police department, or NGO, to ensure impartiality and adherence to legal protocols.
• Non-teaching Staff Member: A representative from the administrative or support staff to ensure all facets of the college community are represented.

Roles and Responsibilities of Committee Members:

• Chairperson: The Chairperson oversees the committee’s functions, leads investigations, and ensures timely action is taken. They act as the final authority for decisions made by the committee.
• Faculty Representatives: Faculty members assist in conducting inquiries and sensitizing students about the harmful effects of ragging. They also organize awareness programs and interact with students regularly to monitor behavior.
• Student Representatives: Students act as a bridge between the student body and the committee, helping to communicate concerns, raise awareness, and identify potential ragging incidents.
• External Member: The external member offers guidance on legal matters and ensures that the committee adheres to statutory requirements while handling complaints.
• Non-teaching Staff Member: This member ensures that support and non-teaching staff are aware of anti-ragging measures and are vigilant in their duties across campus premises.

Procedure for Reporting and Addressing Complaints: The Anti-Ragging Committee follows a well-defined process for reporting, investigating, and resolving complaints:

1. Complaint Filing: Students who have experienced or witnessed ragging can report the incident either verbally, in writing, or through the official Anti-Ragging Complaint Form available on the college website. Complaints can also be filed anonymously.
2. Preliminary Inquiry: Upon receiving the complaint, the committee conducts a preliminary inquiry to verify the facts. Both the complainant and the accused are interviewed separately, and any witnesses are identified.
3. Formal Investigation: If the inquiry confirms the likelihood of ragging, a formal investigation is initiated. The committee gathers evidence, including witness statements, CCTV footage, and any other relevant documentation.
4. Hearing and Decision: Both parties are given an opportunity to present their case. Based on the evidence, the committee deliberates and reaches a decision. The severity of the punishment is determined based on the nature of the incident.
5. Action Taken: If the accused is found guilty of ragging, disciplinary actions range from a warning to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. Legal action, including filing an FIR, may also be initiated in extreme cases.
6. Counseling and Support: Victims of ragging are provided counseling and emotional support through the college’s counselingcenter to help them cope with the trauma.

Preventive Measures and Awareness Campaigns: The committee organizes regular awareness programs to educate students about the consequences of ragging and promote a harmonious campus culture. Some of the key initiatives include:

• Anti-Ragging Workshops and Seminars: Conducted at the start of every academic year, these workshops educate students about the ill effects of ragging and the legal repercussions.
• Orientation Programs: During the orientation of new students, sessions are held to brief them on their rights and the college’s anti-ragging policies.
• Anti-Ragging Posters and Signage: Posters displaying anti-ragging messages and helpline numbers are displayed across campus.
• Peer Mentorship Programs: Senior students are assigned as mentors to junior students to help them adjust to college life without facing the fear of ragging.

Forms: The Anti-Ragging Complaint Form is available online and can be accessed through the college website. It requires the following details(TO BE CREATED):

• Name of the complainant
• Roll number and year of study
• Contact information (optional for anonymous complaints)
• Detailed description of the ragging incident
• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Names of the accused (if known)
• Witnesses (if any)

Students can submit the form either online or in person to the Anti-Ragging Committee. Upon submission, the complainant will receive an acknowledgment, and the investigation will commence within 24 hours.

Conclusion: The Anti-Ragging Committee at SLRTCL plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for students. With its robust preventive measures, quick response mechanism, and unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of students, the committee ensures that the campus remains free from any form of ragging. The institution’s zero-tolerance policy, coupled with the active involvement of faculty, students, and external experts, makes SLRTCL a ragging-free zone where students can focus on their academic and personal growth.