SC Seeks Action Taken Report from UGC On Campus Caste Discrimination

The Supreme Court, led by Justice A.S. Bopanna, has recently directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to provide details of the affirmative action taken to address caste discrimination on campuses.

Referring to the tragic cases of the petitioners, the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, the Court emphasized the need for sensitive handling of the issue to prevent such losses in the future.

Justice M.M. Sundresh suggested that the UGC should consult the petitioners while formulating its action plan. The Court also inquired about the UGC’s initiatives to integrate students from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities into the mainstream and highlighted the multiple challenges faced by these students.

The petitioners have urged the Court to ensure strict enforcement of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012, and establish “equal opportunity cells” in higher educational institutions to address students’ complaints of caste-based discrimination. They also called for universities to publish measures against caste discrimination on their websites.

The petition further requested the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to consider diversity and affirmative action as separate criteria, encouraging universities to foster inclusive environments. The petition highlighted a committee report that exposed the widespread existence of caste-based discrimination on campuses.

The tragic suicides of Rohith Vemula and Dr. Payal Tadvi were allegedly linked to such discrimination.

Meera Verma

Recent Posts

Centre Opposes Ex-Judges Panel To Monitor Stubble Burning In SC

The Centre on Friday opposed a proposal in the Supreme Court to form a committee…

10 hours ago

“It’s A Celebration For Us”: Delhi HC Bar Association Felicitates CJI Sanjiv Khanna

The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Friday honored Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv…

11 hours ago

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Israeli PM Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court has recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,…

11 hours ago

Cal HC Stays Demolition Of Illegal Constructions In WB’s Mandarmoni

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged…

12 hours ago

SC To Pass Order On Pleas To Efface Words ‘Secular’, ‘Socialist’ From Preamble

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would deliver its order on November 25…

12 hours ago

Air Pollution: SC Questions Delhi Govt On Truck Entry Amid GRAP-4 Restrictions

The Supreme Court raised concerns on Friday about the "drastic" consequences of the GRAP Stage…

12 hours ago