Describing ragging as a "shameful practice," Press Council of India Chairman Justice (retd) Markandey Katju today said it can demoralise students and even drive them to attempting suicide.
Referring to the alleged ragging of a student from Bihar at Scindia School in Gwalior, he said, "We need not ape all practices of the British, particularly when it is bad, like ragging. In my opinion, ragging is a shameful practice and must be stopped."
In a post on his blog, he further said, "It must be understood that a new student in an institution is normally scared and apprehensive as he has come into a new environment.
"He needs emotional support and help from his seniors, who should... Give him all help and advice so that he can adjust to the new environment. They should act like elder brothers and be especially kind and helpful during his early days, when he has come into a new environment.
