Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has issued show-cause notices to three students. The students participated in a signature campaign on January 29. The campaign supported the UGC equity regulations 2026. The event took place at the Shri Vishwanath temple.
The notices require students to appear before an investigation committee. This will happen at the chief proctor’s Office on February 10 at 5 p.m. Students must submit written statements. Careers360 has confirmed receipt of these emails.
Students Face Action for Supporting Regulations
The students receiving notices had previously protested in favor of the UGC equity regulations. These regulations aim to protect students from discrimination. The Supreme Court currently has a stay on the UGC rules. This stay followed widespread protests.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is India’s top higher education regulator. Its regulations were notified on January 13. The regulations address promotion of equity in higher education institutions.
Students argue the action is unfair. They supported the regulations intended to prevent discrimination. They question why those opposing the rules faced no action.
Students Issued Notices
- Paramdeep Patel, president of BHU Bahujan
- Himanshu Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha (BHU)
- Suman Anand, president of NSUI (BHU)
BHU Bahujan is a university group. Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha is linked to the Samajwadi Party. NSUI is affiliated with the Congress party. These groups represent historically marginalized communities.
Himanshu Yadav stated they will attend the committee meeting. He called the university’s action a “direct misuse of power.” He questioned the administration’s authority to penalize students for expressing views on government policy. The students plan to inform the UGC of the university’s actions.
FIRs Filed in Lucknow
In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed. These FIRs target Bahujan leaders and approximately 100 other individuals. They participated in a protest at the Vidhan Sabha.
The protest in Lucknow also concerned the UGC equity regulations. This action follows protests across various cities. Protests against the UGC rules were led mainly by upper-caste groups.
Critics of the regulations cited vague definitions of caste discrimination. They also raised concerns about a lack of provisions for penalizing false accusations. These groups argued the rules could create chaos in universities.
Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Aazad commented on the situation. He stated that false charges expose selective action based on caste. He contrasted this with protests against the UGC regulations where participants allegedly raised “objectionable slogans.” No FIRs were registered in those cases. Aazad claims this demonstrates unequal application of the law in Uttar Pradesh.