New Delhi, Jan 27: A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging a recently notified University Grants Commission regulation, alleging that it adopts a non-inclusionary definition of caste-based discrimination and excludes certain categories from institutional protection.
The petition challenges Regulation 3(c) of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, claiming that it narrowly defines caste-based discrimination as discrimination only against members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
Filed by Vineet Jindal, the plea contends that by limiting protection to SC, ST and OBC categories, the regulation denies grievance redressal and institutional safeguards to individuals belonging to the general or non-reserved categories who may also face discrimination or harassment based on caste identity.
The petition states that the regulation, in its present form, creates a hierarchy of protection that is unconstitutional and violates Articles 14 and 15(1) of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before law and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of caste. It also alleges violation of Article 21, which ensures the right to life with dignity.
The plea urges the apex court to restrain authorities from enforcing Regulation 3(c) in its current form and seeks a direction to redefine caste-based discrimination in a caste-neutral and constitutionally compliant manner.
It further seeks interim directions to the Union government and the UGC to ensure that mechanisms such as Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Helplines and Ombudspersons established under the regulations are made accessible to all students without discrimination, pending a formal review of the definition.
