VISHWA JAGRIT MISSION Vs. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Pursuant to our order dated 3-3-2001, the University Grants Commission has filed written submissions/guidelines. An advance copy has already been supplied to the learned counsel, opposite.

(2.) This public interest litigation highlights a menace pervading the educational institutions of the country which in spite of efforts made by the Central Government, the University Grants Commission, State Governments and some of the educational institutions is unfortunately showing an upwards trend. The petitioner seeks directions of this Court so as to curb the menace of ragging.

(3.) The pleadings are complete. Inasmuch as the petition involves dealing with an issue which is likely to affect a large number of students and relationship of the students inter se belonging to different age-groups and coming from different social and cultural background as also the relationship of the students with the institution, the petition needs a detailed hearing. The issues arising for decision cannot be dealt with through a legalistic approach only; sociological and psychological factors shall have to be kept in view. However, all the learned counsel appearing in the case have submitted that the Court is shortly closing for summer vacation and by the time it re-opens most of the educational institutions may have become functional and therefore it would be in public interest if some guidelines by way of an interim order are laid down by this Court. Accordingly, we have heard the learned counsel for the parties.