Dalit student alleges caste bias at Prayagraj law university

A Dalit student of Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, has alleged caste-based humiliation and discrimination by the Head of the Department of Law, prompting the Allahabad High Court to order an independent inquiry into his claims and the university’s handling of his complaint.

The student, who is pursuing BA LLB (Hons), approached the court alleging that the HoD and the warden of the boys’ hostel used their academic and administrative authority to subject him to caste-based humiliation and retaliation. He also alleged that the university administration failed to act on his complaint and instead shielded the HoD.

The petitioner alleged that the HoD had asked him, “Why do you need reservation?” He claimed the remark was directed at him because the faculty member was aware that he had topped the Constitutional Law-I examination.

The student further alleged that his answer sheets were evaluated more strictly because of his caste. He also claimed that the HoD had, on earlier occasions, made insulting remarks relating to caste and reservation.

The allegations have now prompted judicial scrutiny, with the Allahabad High Court constituting a two-member committee of judicial officers to inquire into the claims of caste-based discrimination and humiliation and examine the manner in which the university dealt with the student’s complaint.

In its order dated September 16, a single bench of Justice Vinod Diwakar observed that the allegations were serious and required examination by an impartial agency.

The court constituted a committee comprising the Judge, Small Cause Court, District Court, Prayagraj, and the Special Chief Judicial Magistrate, Prayagraj, to conduct the inquiry and submit its report before the next hearing on September 24.

The court has also directed the university to constitute an independent committee to re-evaluate the student’s answer sheets.

In another significant direction, the court ordered that the HoD be relieved of all administrative responsibilities until the inquiries are completed.

The case will come up for further hearing on September 24, when the court is expected to consider the inquiry report and the steps taken by the university in response to its directions.