Jamia Millia Islamia University: A petition seeking admission of non-creamy OBC and EWS category students in Jamia Millia Islamia's UPSC coaching was heard in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday (22 January). The Delhi High Court has issued notice to Jamia Millia Islamia and UGC in the matter. Also, the petitioner was allowed to make amendments in the application.

During the hearing, the High Court said that Jamia Millia Islamia is a statutory university formed under a special institution. How much the guidelines issued by UGC can be implemented on these universities will be an important question. 

What did the High Court say to the petitioner?

The High Court has said that these are only guidelines issued by UGC, but do they also apply to universities established under independent acts?

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay told the petitioner that in a way you are asking us to prepare the plan again, but can such an order be issued from here?

What arguments did the petitioner give?

During the hearing, the petitioner argued that there is no rational basis for excluding OBC non-creamy layer and EWS. They are creating a class within a class. This is a violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the petitioner, "Is there any data to support the petition? You have filed it because you think it is wrong. Which scheme are you pointing to? Because it is a minority institution." 

The Chief Justice said that as far as EWS is concerned, we cannot do anything. The Chief Justice has given the petitioner a week's time to amend his application. Now the next hearing of this case will be on 12 February 2025.