29 January 2026: We are deeply appalled by the observations made by the Supreme Court on January 29 in the PIL against the UGC Equity Rules, 2026 and in the domestic workers rights PIL filed by Penn Thozhilargal Sangam and other unions, reflecting a myopic and privileged outlook.
UGC Equity Rule Case:
As reported in the media, while staying the UGC regulations, the Court described the rules as “vague” and “capable of misuse” and went on to remark, “Whatever we have gained in terms of achieving a casteless society, are we now becoming regressive?”
Caste and racial discrimination are not abstract concepts or historical relics. They are brutal, everyday realities in our educational institutions and across society. Can the rhetoric of a “casteless society” deliver justice for the institutional murder of Rohith Vemula or Dr. Payal Tadvi or the racist killing of Angel Chakma? Why does the CJI believe that the struggle against caste atrocities, or such legal measures born out of that struggle which strengthen the voices against caste and racial discrimination, is pushing the country backward?
In fact, UGC’s own compiled data, shows that complaints of caste-based discrimination in universities and colleges increased by 118% between 2019 and 2024. These incidents of caste based violence are a consequence of a casteist system sustained by institutional and state complicity. The UGC Equity Rules, howsoever inadequate or weak, are a delayed but welcome step forward in response to the PIL filed before the Supreme Court by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Dr. Payal Tadvi, who were both victims of institutional murder.
We believe that this stay is a capitulation before brahminical pressure. Historically, every legislation against oppression and injustice has led to reactionary and frenzied responses from dominant groups. In these instances, dominant groups reframed equality measures as personal victimization to preserve social privilege and institutional impunity.
We appeal to all rational sections of society to stand for the measures and reject any attempt to whip up caste hysteria in a bid to stall the long overdue measure.* Stand for the constitutional vision of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Domestic Workers Case:
Equally disturbing are the Supreme Court’s reported observations in the PIL seeking welfare measures for domestic workers, where, as per media reports, the Court blamed trade unions for obstructing industrial growth and observed that fixing minimum wages would hamper hiring and cause hardship. It is well known that most industrial closures have nothing to do with trade unions and workers' agitations and are purely a result of mismanagement and wilful diversion of funds. Yet, *the CJI chooses to amplify the voice of anti-worker interest groups and prejudices!
The observations belittle and erase the historic struggles and sacrifices of the working class. The eight-hour workday, minimum wages, social security and basic labour protections were only achieved through sustained struggles by workers and trade unions. Without these struggles, slavery and bonded labour system would have continued as the prevailing social order.
To dismiss trade unions as impediments to economic growth is to overlook the fundamental reality that labour protections are not obstacles but the very foundation upon which a just and equitable society is built.
-- Central Committee, CPIML Liberation
