Overview
The lecture discusses the proposed Karnataka Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2025, aiming to eliminate caste- and identity-based discrimination in higher education and ensure dignity for marginalized students.
Introduction to the Rohith Vemula Act
- The Act is named after Rohith Vemula, a Dalit PhD scholar who died by suicide after alleged caste-based harassment.
- It seeks to eliminate caste and identity-based discrimination in Karnataka's higher education institutions.
- The Act aims to uphold the right to education and dignity for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority students.
Objective of the Act
- Prevent social exclusion and injustice in universities.
- Safeguard the rights and dignity of SC, ST, OBC, and minority students.
- Promote equal access to education across public, private, and deemed universities.
Institutions Covered Under the Act
- Applies to all higher education institutions in Karnataka.
- Includes public, private, deemed universities, and institutions under the Department of Higher Education.
Key Provisions of the Act
- Offences are cognisable (police can arrest without warrant) and non-bailable.
- First-time offence: up to 1 year imprisonment and ₹10,000 fine.
- Repeat offence: up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine.
- Courts can award compensation up to ₹1 lakh to discrimination victims.
- Discrimination includes denial of admission, extortion, or deprivation of facilities.
- Institutions not inclusive to all castes, creeds, gender, or nations face penalties.
- State may withdraw funding from non-compliant institutions.
Judicial Mechanism and Enforcement
- Special courts will ensure speedy trials of offences.
- At least one special public prosecutor per special court and High Court bench.
- Legal aid will be available for victims.
Political and Social Context
- The Bill was initiated following national protests after Rohith Vemula's death.
- Supported by political leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and aligns with Congress manifesto promises.
- The Karnataka government commits to zero tolerance for caste-based discrimination.
Significance and Broader Impact
- Rohith Vemula’s case highlighted persistent caste discrimination in Indian academia.
- The Bill addresses institutional accountability and could set a national legislative model.
- Other states may follow Karnataka’s example.
Similar Legislation and Supporting Bills
- Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025 penalizes hate crimes with up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹5,000 fine.
- Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 penalizes the spread of fake news with up to 7 years imprisonment and ₹10 lakh fine.
- These bills aim to foster inclusive and safe academic and digital environments.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cognisable offence — A crime for which police can arrest without a warrant.
- Non-bailable offence — An offence for which bail is not a right and must be granted by the court.
- Deemed university — An institution that has been declared to be a university by the central government.
- Social exclusion — The process by which certain groups are systematically disadvantaged.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the full text of the Karnataka Rohith Vemula Act for detailed provisions.
- Stay updated on legislative progress and similar bills in other states.
- Prepare notes on related constitutional and legal frameworks regarding educational equality and anti-discrimination.