Overview
- The UGC must consider inputs from all stakeholders, including petitioners Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, before issuing the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2025.
- The Court recorded concrete measures for inclusion such as a blanket ban on discriminatory practices, non-segregation in hostels and classrooms, and digitised scholarship disbursal with complaint tracking.
- Institutions were told to establish grievance committees with at least 50% SC/ST/OBC membership and a chair from these communities, with orders appealable to the NCSC and NCST.
- Further safeguards flagged by the bench include protection for complainants, personal liability for negligent staff, specialised counselling, NAAC-linked social audits, and penalties including withdrawal of grants or accreditation for non-compliance.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said an expert committee examined 391 submissions and sent recommendations now under UGC consideration, as the Court kept oversight to scrutinize any omissions.