Calcutta High Court Mandates Safety Measures at Jadavpur University for Saraswati Puja
The Calcutta High Court has issued a directive to Jadavpur University, emphasizing the need to maintain law and order during the upcoming Saraswati Puja celebrations on campus. This order was passed by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, who were hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) related to campus safety concerns.
Court's Specific Directions for Festival Security
In its ruling, the bench explicitly stated that the university administration must take all necessary steps to ensure that no untoward incidents occur during the Saraswati Puja festivities. The court further clarified that Jadavpur University is permitted to seek assistance from the local police station to uphold law and order. It was emphasized that it shall be the duty of the local police station to provide the required help to the university, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees.
The bench made these observations on January 22, 2026, while addressing the PILs that were filed in the context of the alleged death of a first-year student in 2023, which was linked to ragging on the university campus. During the proceedings, the university submitted that it would endeavor to prevent any such incidents and make all necessary arrangements for this purpose.
Background of the Public Interest Litigations
The matter originated from separate petitions filed by Sudip Raha and Subham Das, both of whom raised serious concerns about campus safety and institutional accountability at Jadavpur University. These PILs were initiated following the tragic incident in 2023, where a first-year student allegedly lost his life due to ragging, sparking widespread outrage and ongoing scrutiny of the university's mechanisms to prevent such occurrences.
During the hearing, senior advocate Ritzu Ghosal, representing Jadavpur University, requested ten days to file a progress report as per an earlier direction issued by the high court on December 4, 2025. The bench allowed this request in the absence of any opposition. At this stage, attention was drawn to the imminent Saraswati Puja celebrations, leading to the specific directive for the university to ensure no disturbances during the festival.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
The high court has scheduled the next hearing for these PILs on February 3, 2026. Jadavpur University is expected to present its progress report on record, detailing the steps taken to comply with earlier court directions aimed at enhancing campus safety and curbing ragging incidents.
This legal intervention comes against a backdrop of persistent ragging issues at the university. In March 2025, Jadavpur University launched an inquiry after a fresh complaint of ragging was reported, involving allegations of severe harassment of a second-year postgraduate student. The complaint detailed verbal abuse, threats, and coercive actions by senior students, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing such misconduct.
The father of the 17-year-old student who died in 2023 expressed outrage over these new allegations, underscoring the emotional toll of such incidents. Previously, Kolkata Police had arrested 12 individuals in connection with the 2023 case, including six current students and others who were former students still residing in hostels.
As Jadavpur University prepares for the Saraswati Puja, the court's directive serves as a critical reminder of the institution's responsibility to foster a safe and secure academic environment, free from harassment and violence.
