Allahabad High Court Orders Independent Inquiry Into Caste Discrimination Allegations At National Law University

The Allahabad High Court has directed an independent inquiry into allegations of caste-based humiliation and discrimination at Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, and ordered the re-evaluation of the answer sheets of a BA LL.B. student who alleged that his papers were subjected to stricter scrutiny because of his caste.

The bench of Justice Vinod Diwakar passed the order on September 16 in a petition filed by a PhD research scholar and a fifth-semester BA LL.B. (Hons.) student of the university. The second petitioner is also a resident of the university's boys' hostel.

Caste-based humiliation allegations

The petitioners alleged that the Head of the Department of Law and Warden of the Boys' Hostel had used his academic and administrative authority as an "instrument of caste-based humiliation and retaliation".

The student had submitted a complaint to the Vice-Chancellor on August 20, alleging, among other things, that he was being subjected to stricter evaluation because of his caste. He said he had secured the highest marks in Constitutional Law-I, which is a gold medal subject, and alleged that a remark made by the concerned faculty member at the beginning of the fourth semester was an indirect reference to his performance.

The complaint also alleged that the faculty member had made public remarks concerning caste and reservation, including, "Tum to achchi family se ho, tumhe reservation kyo chahiye?"

The student sought an independent review or re-evaluation of his Constitutional Law-II and other answer scripts. He also requested confidentiality, citing concerns that raising the allegations could affect his academic environment and future opportunities.

The petitioners further relied on allegations contained in other annexures to the petition. The high court, however, said it would not reproduce those allegations at this stage since they were yet to be inquired into.

Independent re-evaluation ordered

Court made it clear that its order should not be treated as a finding that the allegations were true.

"The allegations are serious, and for that very reason they require to be examined by an impartial agency," court said, adding that the person against whom the allegations were made must be given a full opportunity of hearing.

It accordingly directed the Vice-Chancellor to constitute an independent committee to re-evaluate the student's answer sheets in subjects taught and evaluated by respondent No. 6 (Dr. Deepak Sharma), as well as any other subjects indicated by the student.

No member of the committee can be an original evaluator, while the faculty member against whom the allegations were made will have no role, directly or indirectly, in its constitution or functioning. The answer sheets are to be placed before the committee after masking the identities of both the student and the original evaluator. The committee will also not be informed of the marks originally awarded. It must submit its report to the Vice-Chancellor within one week, who will place it before the high court.

Probe into treatment of SC/ST students

Separately, the high court asked two judicial officers from Prayagraj to inquire into the allegations. The inquiry will examine whether SC/ST students were subjected to caste-based humiliation or discrimination by respondent No. 6 (Dr. Deepak Sharma) or any other person working at the university, and whether complaints were dealt with in accordance with applicable regulations.

The officers have been authorised to record statements, including that of the faculty member against whom the allegations have been made, and call for university records. Before making any adverse conclusion, they must provide the concerned person an opportunity to explain their position.

Court also directed measures to protect the identity of students who depose before the inquiry, in view of the apprehension of retaliation expressed in the complaint.

Faculty member relieved of administrative duties

Pending the inquiry, the Vice-Chancellor has been directed to ensure that neither petitioner faces any adverse academic or administrative consequence because of the proceedings.

Court further ordered that respondent No. 6 (Dr. Deepak Sharma) shall not be involved in evaluating the second petitioner's answer scripts or in any disciplinary or hostel-related matter concerning either petitioner. He has also been directed to be relieved of all administrative responsibilities until completion of the inquiries.

The Vice-Chancellor must also inform the court whether the university has constituted an Equal Opportunity Cell and a committee for redressal of grievances of SC/ST students under applicable UGC regulations, besides explaining the action taken on the student's August 20 complaint and subsequent reminders. The next hearing is on September 24.

Case Title: Shubhendu Anand And Another v. State of U.P. And 5 Others

Order Date: September 16, 2026

Bench: Justice Vinod Diwakar