SC asks UGC to finalize anti-bias rules amid plea by mothers of Vemula, Payal Tadvi
New Delhi, Apr 24 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to proceed with the finalization and notification of draft regulations aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions.
The bench clarified that these regulations will operate in addition to the recommendations that may emerge from a task force constituted by a coordinate bench of the court to examine the broader issue of student suicides and systemic discrimination.
The directions came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, both of whom died by suicide following alleged caste discrimination.
The PIL calls for systemic reforms and enforcement of accountability in academic institutions.
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotishwar Singh heard the matter, with senior advocate Indira Jaising representing the petitioners and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Union government.
Indira Jaising passionately argued that while a task force has been formed by another bench, immediate steps are necessary to prevent further tragedies.
'We are concerned about the living, and what can be done to prevent this from happening in the future,' Jaising said, stressing that existing regulations are outdated and lack the necessary clarity on caste-based discrimination.
Justice Kant concurred that the petitioners had 'successfully demonstrated' the obsolescence of current frameworks and emphasized that the task force should be supported in crafting comprehensive, forward-looking solutions.
However, the courtroom saw moments of tension as Jaising objected to repeated interruptions from SG Mehta, accusing him of displaying a 'male chauvinist attitude' and alleging differential treatment of women advocates. At one point, she attempted to walk out of the courtroom, stating, 'Let my junior counsel argue.'
Justice Surya Kant intervened to maintain decorum, urging both parties to remain calm. Jaising later apologized to the bench for raising her voice, while Mehta acknowledged, 'My Lords, it is very difficult to be a judge.'
Resuming her arguments, Jaising informed the bench that the coordinate bench had already acknowledged pending matters related to UGC regulations and formed a task force headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge with subject experts. In this context, the current bench issued the following key directions:
UGC may proceed with finalization and notification of the draft regulations.
The notified regulations shall function alongside recommendations made by the task force, once submitted.
The petition, rooted in the tragic loss of two young lives, underscores the urgent need for institutional reform and enforcement of safeguards against caste-based discrimination in academic spaces. The matter remains under judicial consideration.
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