Supreme Court Orders UGC to Combat Discrimination

Why in the news?

The Supreme Court directed UGC to finalize anti-discrimination regulations within six weeks. Highlighting delays since 2023, the court emphasized robust implementation to address caste-based discrimination and suicides, urging universities to establish transparent mechanisms and ensure compliance with equity norms.

Supreme Court Orders UGC to Combat Discrimination

About the Supreme Court Directive to UGC:

  • Timeline for Anti-Discrimination Regulations
    • The Supreme Court has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to notify new anti-discrimination regulations within six weeks.
    • The court emphasized these norms must be actionable and effective, not just symbolic.
  • Response to Delays
    • The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, criticized UGC for not finalizing the norms, despite starting the process in 2023.
    • UGC was instructed to submit the regulations for the court’s review along with data on related incidents and institutional compliance.

Key Issues Highlighted

  • Failures in Current Mechanisms
    • The 2019 petition, filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, sought robust reforms after their children faced caste-based discrimination and died by suicide.
    • Senior advocate Indira Jaising noted a lack of Equal Opportunity Cells (EOCs) in universities and inadequate implementation of the 2012 UGC equity regulations.
  • Concerning Statistics
    • Alarming data revealed 15 suicides in IITs alone over the past two years, predominantly from marginalized communities.
    • Many universities failed to provide concrete data on complaints or their resolution.

Court’s Instructions

  • Comprehensive Framework
    • The bench instructed UGC to ensure effective anti-discrimination measures, including the establishment of committees with diverse representation.
    • Universities were asked to publicize their compliance and anti-discrimination policies on their websites.
  • Collaboration with Other Bodies
    • The court sought inputs from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the Union Government to strengthen oversight mechanisms.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times