Due to caste discrimination in higher educational institutions, oppressed students are mentally and socially alienated, their legitimate educational rights are denied, and as a result they suffer depression, inferiority complex, and a feeling that they do not belong. Many are forced to drop out midway, and some even resort to suicide.
To prevent this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) recently introduced regulations to properly implement reservation policies and to stop caste-based discrimination against such students. Against these regulations, cases have been filed in the Supreme Court by upper-caste students. They are shedding crocodile tears as if they are facing a great injustice, and are now celebrating after obtaining an interim stay from the Supreme Court!
They drastically reduced opportunities gained through the Mandal struggle!
The majority of the population (SCs, STs, and OBCs) have been benefiting from social justice through reservations in education in recent years. Unable to tolerate this, and in effect cutting at the very roots of Article 15(4), a new category called “Economically Weaker Sections among Upper Castes” was created, which significantly reduced the opportunities won through the Mandal Commission recommendations.
Those who earlier insisted that reservation should not exceed 50 percent suddenly fell silent about this limit once they secured more than 10 percent for themselves. Where did their concern for the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment go?
The case now pending before the Supreme Court is nothing but a manifestation of upper-caste dominance.
History of resistance to social justice
When Prime Minister V.P. Singh implemented the Mandal Commission’s 27 percent reservation in jobs, upper-caste groups — backed by Brahmin-dominated media — orchestrated violent protests including self-immolations in Delhi.
“The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has rightly condemned these developments in his statement. He has said that UGC rules aimed at eliminating caste discrimination and protecting OBC students are welcome, and that the current protests mirror the same regressive mindset that opposed Mandal earlier.:
However, due to V.P. Singh’s firm commitment, the policy was upheld by a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case, which validated the Mandal reservations.
Today, when SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities are advancing through education, it unsettles the “Manu’s children.” Having enjoyed monopoly power for thousands of years, they are now reacting with false outrage and legal battles.
The Supreme Court’s interim stay is unacceptable to advocates of social justice.
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has rightly condemned these developments in his statement. He has said that UGC rules aimed at eliminating caste discrimination and protecting OBC students are welcome, and that the current protests mirror the same regressive mindset that opposed Mandal earlier.
Are these ‘upper castes’ really caste abolitionists?
A caste-free society is essential.
The Supreme Court should proactively push for a law abolishing caste. Article 17 of the Constitution abolished “untouchability.” Instead, it should be amended to state: “Caste is abolished, and practicing it in any form is a punishable offense.”
Will these ‘sudden champions of caste abolition’ demand such a constitutional amendment?
Will the Supreme Court take the initiative?
Will the petitioners in this case support it?
We await answers.
The double standards of upper castes must be exposed!
All oppressed communities must unite and crush such anti-reservation moves at their very root.
