Savarna Samaj celebrate Supreme Court stay on UGC Rules:Community welcomes court order, holds celebrations in Indore; distribute sweets to mark decision

The Savarna Samaj (upper caste organisations) in Indore welcomed the stay imposed by the Supreme Court of India on the new University Grants Commission (UGC) rules, celebrating the decision with fireworks and distribution of sweets at Rajwada on Thursday. Office-bearers of various upper caste organisations gathered at Rajwada, burst firecrackers, and exchanged sweets, expressing gratitude to the apex court. Members of the community said the Supreme Court’s decision has brought relief and hope, and they thanked the judiciary for intervening in the matter. Community calls decision ‘in favour of social harmony’ Speaking on the occasion, Savarna Samaj representative Vikas Awasthi said that a law introduced recently had posed a threat to social harmony in the country. He said the provisions could adversely affect the future of children and weaken unity within society. Awasthi said the stay imposed by the Supreme Court has reassured the entire Savarna community. Several sensible members from the SC-ST communities also understand that caste-based divisions, particularly in urban areas and universities, can harm social cohesion. The court’s decision has strengthened Hindu unity, which was reflected in the celebrations attended by members of the Savarna community as well as people from backward classes, he said. Supreme Court observations on UGC Rules The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the new rules notified by the University Grants Commission until further orders. A bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya observed that certain provisions of the rules were not clear and could be misused. The court made the observations while hearing petitions filed by Mrityunjay Tiwari, advocate Vineet Jindal, and Rahul Diwan, which alleged that the new rules discriminate against general category students. The UGC had notified the revised rules on January 13, which have faced opposition across the country. Notices issued, next hearing on March 19 The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and the UGC, seeking their responses, and has directed that the draft rules be redrafted. The court also clarified that the 2012 UGC rules will continue to remain in force until further orders. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 19.