UGC Regulation Faces Supreme Court Challenge

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging a UGC regulation for being non-inclusionary. It argues that the definition of caste-based discrimination excludes general categories, violating constitutional rights. The plea seeks caste-neutral protection and interim measures for inclusive institutional support.

The Supreme Court is set to examine a plea challenging a recent University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation criticized for its non-inclusionary approach to caste-based discrimination. The regulation is alleged to prioritize only Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, thereby marginalizing general category individuals.

The plea, filed by advocate Vineet Jindal, asserts that limiting caste discrimination to SC, ST, and OBC categories denies institutional protection to others who might also face caste-based bias and harassment. This provision, Jindal argues, forms an unconstitutional hierarchy of protection, infringing upon fundamental rights like equality and non-discrimination as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Advocating for a caste-neutral definition of discrimination, the plea urges the court to halt the current enforcement of UGC's regulation and calls for mechanisms ensuring equitable access to support services. The plea seeks interim relief ensuring the availability of Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Helplines, and Ombudsperson mechanisms in a non-discriminatory manner.

(With inputs from agencies.)