Source Live law
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging a recent University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation that defines “caste discrimination” in higher education institutions. The plea argues that the wording of the regulation is overly specific and seeks a more caste-neutral framework to address discrimination on campuses.
The petitioner contends that while discrimination in any form must be firmly addressed, the current regulation risks narrowing the scope of protection by focusing primarily on caste. According to the plea, a neutral provision would better safeguard all students and staff against unfair treatment based on any identity, including religion, gender, region, or economic background.
The challenge questions the legal validity of the UGC’s approach, stating that anti-discrimination norms should be inclusive and universally applicable rather than centered on a single social category. It argues that a broader definition would strengthen equality before the law and reduce ambiguity in enforcement.
The petition also raises concerns about potential misuse or misinterpretation of the regulation, claiming that an imprecise definition could lead to inconsistent application across universities and colleges. A caste-neutral provision, the petitioner says, would promote fairness while still allowing authorities to act decisively against genuine cases of discrimination.
The Supreme Court is expected to examine whether the UGC regulation aligns with constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination. The case is likely to reignite debate on how best to frame anti-discrimination policies in India’s higher education system while balancing social justice objectives with legal clarity.
