The Supreme Court has recently imposed an interim stay on the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s new rules concerning caste-based discrimination in higher education.
Senior advocate Vishnu Jain argued before the court that the UGC’s definition of caste-based discrimination violates fundamental principles of law.
“I am seeking a stay on the definition of caste-based discrimination provided in this rule. No law can presume that discrimination applies only against a specific community,” Jain said. He further contended that under Section 3(c), this definition contradicts Article 14 of the Constitution, as the concept of discrimination is already codified in law and cannot be restricted to a single provision.
The Chief Justice of India asked the government’s Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, to constitute a committee of experts to review the matter. The committee will examine the rules with the aim of promoting social inclusivity and eliminating all forms of discrimination.
The court has temporarily stayed the new UGC rules, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 19.
