We, the undersigned students and citizens of India, respectfully submit this petition regarding the recently introduced UGC Equity Regulations concerning anti-discrimination in higher education institutions.

 

The objective of preventing discrimination in educational spaces is noble, constitutional, and necessary. No civilised society can tolerate injustice or exclusion within its universities. However, while the intention of the regulation is commendable, its present wording and structure raise serious concerns regarding equality, balance, and procedural fairness.

 

The regulation primarily extends explicit protection to certain identified “disadvantaged groups” but does not clearly and unequivocally affirm equal protection for students belonging to the General (Unreserved) category. This absence of symmetry in language has created apprehension, mistrust, and fear among a significant section of the student community.

 

Under Article 14 of the Constitution of India, equality before law and equal protection of laws is guaranteed to every citizen without exception. Any regulatory framework intended to promote justice must be drafted in a manner that is:

 

1. Neutral in language

 

 

2. Equal in protection

 

 

3. Fair in procedure

 

 

4. Balanced in enforcement

 

 

 

A regulation that seeks to eliminate discrimination must itself be free from any perception of selective protection or unequal treatment.

 

Furthermore, the present framework does not sufficiently specify: • Clear safeguards against misuse or false complaints

• Uniform standards of inquiry applicable to all parties

• Procedural protections for the accused

• Transparent and accountable mechanisms of redress

 

In the absence of such safeguards, there exists a genuine risk of: • Arbitrary application

• Erosion of mutual trust among students

• Undermining of campus harmony

• Legal uncertainty and prolonged disputes

 

We therefore humbly and respectfully request the University Grants Commission and the Ministry of Education to review and amend the said regulation so as to:

 

1. Explicitly guarantee equal protection to students of all categories, including General (Unreserved) category.

 

 

2. Establish clear, impartial, and uniform procedures for inquiry and adjudication.

 

 

3. Introduce safeguards against malicious or false complaints.

 

 

4. Ensure representation and neutrality in equity and grievance committees.

 

 

5. Preserve the spirit of unity, fraternity, and mutual respect on campuses.

 

 

 

This petition is not directed against any community, caste, or group. It is an appeal in favour of constitutional balance, legal clarity, and universal justice. True equity is not achieved by selective protection, but by a system where every student feels equally secure under the law.

 

Education must be a space of learning, not fear; of cooperation, not division; of trust, not suspicion.

 

We place our faith in the wisdom of the authorities and respectfully urge them to consider these concerns in the larger interest of: • Social harmony

• Constitutional morality

• Student welfare

• National unity

 

Justice must not only be done — it must also be seen to be done.