Protests, cross-FIRs, now a ban at DU: Why campus is on the boil over UGC rules against caste discrimination | Explained

Delhi University (DU) has recently been engulfed in turmoil following the University Grants Commission's (UGC) implementation of anti-caste discrimination regulations. These rules sparked widespread protests among students, leading to a series of cross-FIRs filed by various factions. The situation escalated to the point where a ban on student gatherings was imposed as tensions reached a boiling point. The Supreme Court intervened, temporarily staying the UGC's regulations due to concerns over vague definitions, particularly regarding the criteria for caste-based discrimination. This has left students and faculty divided, with some advocating for the regulations as a necessary step towards inclusivity and others arguing that the definitions could lead to misuse and further division. The evolving situation at DU reflects broader societal debates about caste discrimination in India, highlighting the challenges educational institutions face in balancing regulatory frameworks with the diverse perspectives of their student bodies. As the university community grapples with these issues, the future of the UGC's regulations remains uncertain, with calls for clearer guidelines and dialogue among stakeholders growing louder.