Allahabad HC Orders Independent Probe Into Alleged Caste-Based Humiliation at NLU Prayagraj

The Allahabad High Court has ordered an independent inquiry into allegations of caste-based humiliation and discrimination involving two students at Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University in Prayagraj.

Court Seeks Independent Inquiry

Justice Vinod Diwakar directed two judicial officers from Prayagraj to conduct the inquiry and submit their report to the High Court.

The inquiry will examine whether students belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities were subjected to caste-based humiliation or discrimination and whether their complaints were handled in accordance with applicable regulations.

The court made clear that it was not deciding whether the allegations were true. It said the claims were serious enough to require examination by an impartial agency, with the persons accused given an opportunity to respond.

Allegations Against HOD and Hostel Warden

The case was filed by a PhD research scholar and a fifth-semester BA LLB (Hons.) student of the university, who also resides in the boys' hostel.

The student alleged that the Head of the Department of Law and Warden of the Boys' Hostel had used academic and administrative authority in a manner that amounted to caste-based humiliation and retaliation.

A complaint submitted to the Vice-Chancellor on August 20 alleged, among other things, that the student's answer scripts were evaluated more strictly because of his caste. The complaint also referred to alleged remarks concerning caste and reservation.

Independent Re-Evaluation of Answer Sheets

The High Court has separately ordered an independent committee to re-evaluate the student's answer sheets for subjects taught and evaluated by the concerned faculty member.

The original evaluator cannot be part of the committee. The court also directed that the identities of the student and original evaluator be masked and that the committee not be informed of the marks previously awarded.

The re-evaluation must be completed within one week, with the report to be placed before the court.

Faculty Member Relieved of Administrative Duties

Until further orders, the concerned HOD and hostel warden has been barred from evaluating the petitioner's answer scripts or handling disciplinary and hostel-related matters involving either petitioner.

The court also directed that the faculty member be relieved of administrative responsibilities until the inquiries are completed. At the same time, the court recorded no finding against the faculty member or any other person at this stage.

The Vice-Chancellor has also been asked to disclose whether the university has an Equal Opportunity Cell and a committee for redressal of grievances of SC/ST students under applicable University Grants Commission regulations.

Next Hearing on September 24

The court directed that the identities of people giving evidence during the inquiry be kept confidential and that the petitioners should not face adverse academic or administrative consequences for approaching the court or participating in the proceedings.

The matter is scheduled to come up again on September 24, when the court is expected to consider the inquiry report and the progress of the independent re-evaluation.