A petition filed in the Supreme Court regarding caste discrimination in universities was heard today. On which the Supreme Court has shown strictness and has asked for the data of complaints from UGC. Also, the apex court has said that caste issues are very serious in higher educational institutions. Apart from this, the Supreme Court has also ordered the universities to implement the rules made on caste issues. During its hearing, the Supreme Court said that it is well aware of the sensitivity of the matter. In such a situation, such complaints need to be addressed very seriously and it will do so.

115 suicides happened in IITs alone in 20 years due to caste discrimination

The case on the caste discrimination petition was being heard by a bench of Justice Suryakant and Justice Ujjal Bhuiyan. The court was told that between 2004-24, 115 suicides have taken place in IIT alone. On this, Justice Suryakant commented that the court is aware of the sensitivity of the matter and will start hearing it from time to time to find a mechanism to turn the 2012 rules into reality. 

Supreme Court asked for complaints data from UGC

The bench directed the University Grants Commission to collect and submit data from universities (central/state/private/deemed) regarding setting up of equal opportunity cells and the total number of complaints received under the UGC (Promotion of Equality in Higher Educational Institutions) Rules, 2012 along with a report on the action taken.

The petition was filed by the mother of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi

Actually this petition has been filed by the mother of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi. Caste discrimination in educational institutions was said to be responsible for the suicide of these two. In the petition, a strong and effective mechanism has been demanded to be created to end caste discrimination in educational institutions. While hearing this petition, SC has also issued notice to the Center and UGC.