Court directs formation of impartial committees to address claims of caste-based humiliation and biased evaluation; faculty member restrained from academic and administrative duties pending inquiry
In a significant judgment dated September 16, 2026, the Allahabad High Court took suo motu cognizance of serious allegations of caste-based discrimination and retaliatory academic actions at Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj. The petitioners, Shubhendu Anand and another, students of the University, accused the Head of the Department of Law and Hostel Warden of employing his academic and administrative authority to humiliate and discriminate against them on caste grounds.
The Court emphasized that it was not expressing any opinion on the veracity of the allegations at this interim stage but acknowledged the gravity of the complaints, necessitating an impartial and thorough examination. To this end, it directed the University’s Vice-Chancellor to constitute two independent committees: one for re-evaluating the answer sheets of the petitioner in subjects taught and evaluated by the implicated faculty member, and another judicial inquiry panel to investigate the caste-based grievances.
The re-evaluation committee is mandated to function without any involvement from the accused faculty member and must carry out a masked and unbiased review of the answer scripts, ensuring that neither the identity of the candidate nor the original evaluator is disclosed. The committee’s findings are to be submitted within one week for the Court’s review.
Simultaneously, the Court appointed two judicial officers to conduct an inquiry into whether the petitioners and other Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe students were subjected to caste-based humiliation or discrimination and to scrutinize the University’s handling of related complaints. These officers are empowered to record statements, summon University records, and afford the accused a fair opportunity to respond before concluding their report.
Importantly, the Court granted interim protection to the petitioners, ordering that they must not face any adverse academic or administrative consequences due to their complaints or participation in the inquiry. The implicated faculty member was restrained from evaluating the petitioners’ answer scripts or handling any administrative or disciplinary matters concerning them during the inquiry period. Furthermore, he was relieved of all administrative responsibilities until the inquiry’s completion.
The Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of the University were directed to maintain strict confidentiality concerning the proceedings and to submit affidavits detailing the existence and functioning of Equal Opportunity Cells and grievance redressal committees for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as mandated by University Grants Commission regulations. They are also required to explain any inaction taken upon the petitioners’ complaints.
This landmark order underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding constitutional protections against caste discrimination within educational institutions and ensuring that allegations are addressed through transparent and fair processes, safeguarding the rights and dignity of all students.
Bottom Line:
University student alleging caste-based humiliation and discriminatory evaluation by faculty - High Court directed constitution of independent re-evaluation committee with masked identity and separate judicial inquiry into allegations - Protection against retaliation and confidentiality ordered - Faculty member restrained from evaluation and administrative role concerning petitioners pending inquiry.
Statutory provision(s):
Constitution of India, 1950 Article 226, University Grants Commission Regulations on Equal Opportunity and Grievance Redressal
Shubhendu Anand v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2982721
