Delhi HC Issues Notice To Jamia, UGC Over PIL Seeking Guidelines For OBC, EWS Admissions In Free UPSC Coaching

The court allowed the petitioner one week to amend the application. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for February 12, 2025.

Representational Image | The Delhi High Court has issued notices to Jamia Millia Islamia and UGC regarding a PIL seeking guidelines for admission of OBC and EWS students to free coaching programs.

Source : PTI

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to Jamia Millia Islamia and the University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the formulation of guidelines to ensure the admission of Non-Creamy Layer OBC and EWS category students to free UPSC coaching programs for underprivileged students at the university.

The High Court observed that Jamia Millia Islamia is a statutory university established under a special act, raising significant questions about how far UGC guidelines can be applied to such universities. The court also noted that while the UGC guidelines are advisory, their applicability to universities established under independent acts remains a key legal issue.

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya asked the petitioner, "In a way, you are asking us to restructure the scheme. But can such an order be passed from this court?"

Next Hearing On February 25

During the hearing, the petitioner argued that there is no rational basis for excluding Non-Creamy Layer OBC and EWS students. They claimed that it creates a sub-class within a class, violating Article 14 of the Constitution.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela has raised questions to the petitioner, asking if there was any data to support the plea. “Have you filed this petition merely because you believe it to be wrong? What specific scheme are you pointing to, given that this is a minority institution?”

Further Chief Justice Upadhyaya noted, "As far as EWS is concerned, we cannot do anything." The court allowed the petitioner one week to amend the application. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for February 12, 2025.