The post Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Rules, Opposition Welcomes Decision Amid Sharp Political Reactions appeared first on The Edge Media.
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The top court observed that the UGC’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, were prima facie vague, open to misuse, and capable of having sweeping consequences that could divide society. It also directed the Centre and the UGC to file their responses by March 19 on petitions challenging the regulations.
Leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Trinamool Congress hailed the stay as timely and necessary.
BSP chief Mayawati said the regulations had created an atmosphere of social tension across universities, and the court’s intervention was appropriate under the circumstances. She added that the situation could have been avoided had the UGC consulted all stakeholders and ensured fair representation in inquiry committees, in line with principles of natural justice.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also welcomed the order, stressing that both the language and intent of any law must be clear to prevent injustice. He said true justice ensures that no group is oppressed and no unfairness is inflicted on anyone, adding that ambiguity in rules often leads to social division.
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of deliberately creating conflicts on religion and caste to divert public attention from pressing issues. Another Congress leader, Ranjit Ranjan, suggested that the regulations be referred to a parliamentary standing committee, stating that the government failed to clearly define the framework and did not take students into confidence, which led to nationwide protests.
Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee termed the UGC guidelines unconstitutional and said the Supreme Court had taken the correct step by staying them.
In contrast, the CPI-ML-Liberation said it was deeply appalled by the court’s observations, describing them as reflecting a myopic attitude towards the lived realities
of caste discrimination. The party cited UGC data showing that complaints of caste-based bias in universities and colleges rose by 118 percent between 2019 and 2024. It argued that discrimination remains a harsh daily reality in educational institutions and warned against dismissing equality measures as divisive.
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha also weighed in, remarking that history shows judicial neutrality often depends on which
status quo the law chooses to protect.
The regulations were challenged on the grounds that they narrowly defined caste-based discrimination as affecting only Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, raising concerns about exclusion and interpretation. With the stay now in place, the court will examine detailed responses before deciding the future course of the regulations.
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]]>The post “Santosh”: A Stark Portrait of Power, Prejudice, and a Woman’s Struggle in Uniform appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Set in a fictional town in northern India, Santosh confronts deep-rooted social issues—misogyny, caste bias, and religious intolerance—with unwavering honesty. The story follows Santosh (played with quiet intensity by Shahana Goswami), a widow who receives a job as a constable after her police officer husband dies in the line of duty.
Uncomfortable in her new role, Santosh wears her uniform awkwardly, her posture reflecting her uncertainty. In a male-dominated police station, female officers are marginalized and reduced to menial tasks. Santosh is expected to serve her superior officer’s domestic needs rather than engage in real police work.
Her world begins to unravel when a Dalit man pleads for help finding his missing daughter, Devika. Ignored by the male officers, his concerns are dismissed until the girl’s body is discovered. The community’s outrage and the media spotlight push the police into action. Santosh is reluctantly assigned to escort the body to the morgue—an act revealing the deep caste prejudices at play.
With a change in leadership, a senior female officer named Geeta (Sunita Rajwar) takes charge. Though hardened and brusque, Geeta encourages Santosh to investigate, even as the system continues to push back. A Muslim man is arrested, but as the investigation unfolds, Santosh begins to see the complexity of the injustices around her.
The film follows the structure of a crime drama but avoids the glamor often associated with the genre. Instead, it opts for a raw, almost documentary-like tone, thanks to Lennert Hillege’s cinematography. Even open landscapes feel oppressive, reflecting a society weighed down by cruelty and systemic corruption.
Suri refuses to sugarcoat the harsh realities. In this environment, Santosh’s gender places her at a constant disadvantage. Her journey reveals that survival often means compromising one’s values—or becoming complicit. Yet, her quiet resistance and evolving awareness make her a powerful symbol of resilience.
The strength of Santosh lies in its grounded screenplay and the authentic performances of Goswami and Rajwar. They fully inhabit their roles, embodying the silent courage required to navigate a world designed to break women down. Without theatrics or sentimentality, the film demands that viewers confront uncomfortable truths about power and prejudice in Indian society.
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]]>The post Justice for Y Puran Kumar Is Justice for All Dalits: Rahul Gandhi Slams Haryana Govt appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>After meeting the family of the late officer in Chandigarh, Gandhi addressed the media, alleging that Kumar had been subjected to systematic caste-based discrimination intended to break his spirit and sabotage his career.
“A dangerous message is being sent — that no matter how accomplished or senior you are, if you’re a Dalit, you can still be suppressed and crushed,” Gandhi said.
Kumar, 52, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his home last week. A final note, reportedly left by him, spans eight pages and accuses eight senior IPS officers — including Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and former Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya — of relentless caste-based harassment, mental torture, and public humiliation.
The opposition has since intensified criticism of the Haryana government, with Gandhi accusing CM Saini of failing to ensure a fair and impartial investigation despite earlier promises.
Gandhi also highlighted the emotional toll on Kumar’s family, especially his two daughters, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.
“This is not just about one man or one family. This is about dignity, justice, and the rights of every Dalit in India,” he added.
The Congress party continues to demand a high-level independent inquiry and immediate suspension of the officers named in Kumar’s note.
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