NEWS: The Karnataka government is set to introduce the Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) Bill, 2025à aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination

ABOUT

• Named after Rohith Vemulaà a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad who died by suicide on January 17, 2016
• Aims to address caste-based discrimination and harassment against students belonging to Scheduled castes (SC), Scheduled tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and minority communities in higher educational institutions.
• Karnatakaàfirst state to officially acknowledge Rohith Vemula’s death as being linked to caste-based discrimination.

Types of discrimination

The Billà recognizes two forms of caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions

• Indirect discrimination àActions or policies that may appear neutral or free of caste prejudice on the surface but end up adversely affecting individuals or groups from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
• Institutional discriminationà Occurs due to institutional structures or decision-making bodies such asà executive councils, academic councils, or research review committees, whose functioning may work against the interests of SC/ST students

Penalties for discrimination

• The least severe punishment prescribed is a written apology.
• In cases involving caste-based atrocities, stricter penalties applyàA first offence may attract up to one year of imprisonment + fine of Rs 10,000
• Repeat offences may lead to imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Courtsàauthority to award compensation of up to Rs 1 lakh to victims, payable by the accused.
• Institutions violating the principle of being open to all classes, castes, creeds, genders, or nationalitiesàpenalties ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and may also risk losing financial aid or government grants

Grievance redressal mechanism

• Creation of equity committees in institutionsàaggrieved persons can file complaints.
• They may also approach district courts or High Courts.
• Civil remedies for aggrieved personsàIndividuals facing discrimination-- can take lawful action to address caste bias, including refusing to participate in activities that reinforce caste prejudice
• Right to confidentiality: The Bill allows individuals from SC/ST communities to maintain confidentiality regarding their identity if they choose not to disclose it.