NEW DELHI: Protests continued across university campuses in Delhi on Friday as students reacted sharply to the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) newly notified regulations, triggering fresh debates on equity, caste discrimination and institutional accountability in higher education.
At Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), students gathered outside Sabarmati Hostel, where demonstrations were held both in support of and against the UGC regulations. A section of students opposing the regulations burned an effigy symbolising “Brahminism”, which they said represented entrenched caste hierarchies within the education system. Protesters argued that the stayed regulations were necessary to ensure caste equality and fairness, and accused opposing groups of resisting reforms aimed at addressing structural discrimination.
Parallel protests were organised at Delhi University at the call of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) Delhi. Students condemned the judicial stay on the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026, and demanded their immediate implementation. SFI members said the stay had come as a setback to efforts aimed at strengthening safeguards against discrimination and exclusion on campuses.
The protests were marked by slogans, assemblies and public discussions, reflecting heightened student mobilisation over caste-based policies in higher education.
Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) organised a public gathering at Jantar Mantar, linking the ongoing campus unrest to the broader demand for the enactment of the Rohith Vemula Act. AISA leaders said the proposed legislation was essential to ensure accountability in cases of caste-based discrimination and to provide enforceable mechanisms for justice within universities.
AISA links campus unrest to Rohith Vemula Act
The All India Students’ Association (AISA) organised a public gathering at Jantar Mantar, linking the ongoing campus unrest to the broader demand for the enactment of the Rohith Vemula Act. It has also announced another public meeting at Jantar Mantar on January 31.