Karnataka's ‘Rohith Vemula Bill’: Here's how it will curb discrimination in higher education

After a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Karnataka government is preparing to table the Karnataka Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2025. Named after Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, who died by suicide in 2016, the bill aims to address caste-based discrimination and systemic injustice in the state’s higher education institutions.

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The proposed legislation is a significant move towards making campuses more inclusive and accountable, particularly for students from marginalised backgrounds.

Key Traits of the Bill:

• Protects students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in higher education.
• Criminalises:
  • Denying admission based on caste or religion.
  • Demanding capitation fees from SC/ST students.
  • Withholding promised facilities, including hostels or financial aid.
• Offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
• First offence: Up to 1 year of imprisonment, ₹10,000 fine, and compensation up to ₹1 lakh to the victim.
• Repeat offence: 3 years of imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine.
• Institutions violating inclusivity provisions can face similar penalties and loss of government funding.
• Proposes special courts for speedy trials.
• Appointment of special public prosecutors in every special court and High Court bench.

If passed, the bill will mark a precedent-setting legal safeguard against discrimination in educational spaces.