The Supreme Court has allowed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to finalize and notify its Draft Regulations, 2025, which deal with caste discrimination in higher educational institutions (HEIs). This decision came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the mothers of Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi, both of whom died by suicide after alleged caste-based harassment.
"We deem it appropriate to clarify: UGC may proceed with finalization of draft regulations and notify the same... suggestions shall be considered by the Task Force,"
— Supreme Court Bench led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh.
The Court confirmed that these new regulations will exist alongside recommendations from a National Task Force formed earlier in Amit Kumar v. Union of India, which aims to tackle suicide and caste issues in HEIs.
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Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the petitioners, urged the Court to delay notification of the new rules. She raised concerns over merging separate issues like ragging, sexual harassment, and caste discrimination under one regulation. She said the old rules clearly defined discrimination but the new draft removes those specifics.
"What’s worrying is that merging all issues under one regulation may dilute focus on caste discrimination. The older rules clearly explained what counts as caste bias—like denying caste certificates or reservations. These are now missing."
— Senior Advocate Indira Jaising
Despite her concerns, the Court trusted that UGC will consider all suggestions submitted by stakeholders before issuing the final rules. Petitioners were also allowed to submit ideas to the Task Force.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that the final draft is ready and comments from the public have been received. He requested the process not be stalled.
Justice Surya Kant remarked that even after the UGC issues its rules, the Task Force can suggest improvements. He highlighted the importance of giving voice and protection to those suffering silently due to caste-based discrimination.
"Many voiceless individuals are waiting for these regulations. They deserve dignity and protection."
— Justice Surya Kant
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The PIL was filed in 2019 after the tragic deaths of Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi. Both cases highlighted serious lapses in addressing caste bias in educational campuses. Petitioners argued that current rules are not enough—they don’t provide for fair complaint mechanisms or strict action against institutions failing to prevent caste bias.
They demanded that Equal Opportunity Cells be made mandatory in all universities. These should include SC/ST representatives and independent social activists to ensure fair handling of complaints.
The Supreme Court previously told UGC:
“This is for the sake of students and their grieving families. Such tragedies must be prevented in the future.”
By allowing UGC to move forward, the Court aims to strengthen anti-discrimination safeguards in campuses while keeping the door open for further improvement through the Task Force.
Case Title: Abeda Salim Tadvi and Anr. v. Union of India, W.P.(C) No. 1149/2019
