Supreme Court Seeks Action Against Caste Discrimination in Education

The Supreme Court of India is addressing caste-based discrimination in educational institutions, directing the University Grants Commission to develop new regulations. Advocates cite numerous student suicides linked to discrimination. The court aims for effective measures, urging timely implementation and compliance with existing 2012 regulations.

The Supreme Court of India has acknowledged the seriousness of caste-based discrimination within educational institutions. On Friday, Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan underscored the need for an effective framework to address this pervasive issue.

The court directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to expedite the creation of draft regulations to prevent such discrimination, encompassing central, state, private, and deemed universities. Additionally, the UGC is required to submit data on existing equal opportunity cells established under the UGC equity regulations of 2012.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising highlighted past suicides, such as those of students Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, attributing them to caste-based discrimination. The court emphasized the urgency for actionable solutions, reflecting dissatisfaction over the slow progress since a 2019 Public Interest Litigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)