Caste Discrimination In Colleges : Supreme Court Seeks Data From UGC On Equal Opportunity Cells, Action On Complaints Received

The Supreme Court directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to provide data regarding complaints of caste-based discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Cells set up by universities as per the 2012 regulations. This request followed a petition challenging the UGC’s non-compliance with regulations on caste discrimination complaints. The court was concerned about the reported lack of effective redressal mechanisms for such complaints and ordered the UGC to provide information on the implementation of the relevant provisions. The outcome of this request will guide further steps to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions on caste equality in higher education institutions.