‘Dalits being deliberately disqualified’: Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘anti-reservation’ moves by IITs, Central Universities
‘Dalits being deliberately disqualified’: Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘anti-reservation’ moves by IITs, Central Universities’Dalits being deliberately disqualified’: Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘anti-reservation’ moves by IITs, Central Universities NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi interacted with the DUSU students and discussed the “anti-reservation” moves by the Central Universities and IITs that was resulting into disqualification of qualified SC,ST and OBC candidates. Sharing a video on X on Tuesday, Rahul questioned the use of “Not Found Suitable” category to disqualify applicants. “Not Found Suitable is the new Manuism now. Qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates are being deliberately ‘disqualified’ – to keep them away from education and leadership. Babasaheb had said: Education is the biggest weapon for equality. But the Modi government is busy blunting that weapon. In Delhi University, more than 60% of the reserved posts of professors and more than 30% of the reserved posts of associate professors have been kept vacant by calling them NFS,” he said. “This is no exception – IITs, Central Universities, the same conspiracy is going on everywhere. NFS is an attack on the Constitution. NFS is a betrayal of social justice. This is not just a fight for education and employment – it is a fight for rights, respect and participation. I spoke to DUSU students – now together we will respond to every anti-reservation move of BJP/RSS with the power of the Constitution,” he added. — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) Meanwhile, PM Modi on Sunday hailed the decision to conduct caste census and said that it was a means to include those left behind in the development process. He stressed that his government focuses not on caste-based politics, but on empowering the marginalised. Last month, the Centre announced that the upcoming population census will include caste data — marking the first time caste details will be recorded since independence. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
SHRC delays Dalit woman’s statement recording in Peroorkada custodial harassment case
Bindu was kept in illegal custody and mentally harassed for nearly 20 hours on April 23 after being accused of theft by her employer, Omana Davis. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recording of the statement of the dalit woman, who was allegedly mentally harassed in Peroorkada police station, by crime branch (CB) will be delayed after the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) stipulated that a woman lawyer deputed by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) should be present during the proceedings. Following this, Crime Branch DySP K A Vidyadharan has written to the secretary of Thiruvananthapuram DLSA urging a speedy appointment of a woman lawyer. Crime Branch Pathanamthitta DySP was given the investigation charge on the SHRC directive as the commission wanted an officer from outside the district to probe the case, which is sensational and involves serving police officers. Sources said SHRC directed the police to ensure the presence of a female lawyer to assist the victim, Bindu R, and to ensure that the proceedings are in line with the law. Meanwhile, sources said after the woman’s statement is recorded, the officer will verify the documents from Peroorkada station to assess whether more police personnel were involved in the case. The attested copies of documents, including sentry report, will be sought from the station and they will be verified. These documents, it’s expected, would reveal to what extent the cops misused laws to mentally harass the woman, who worked as a domestic worker, while she was illegally detained in the station. Bindu was kept in illegal custody and mentally harassed for nearly 20 hours on April 23 after being accused of theft by her employer, Omana Davis. The complaint, which alleged that an 18g gold chain had gone missing, later turned out to be baseless. Two officers from the Peroorkada station — SI S G Prasad and ASI Prasanna Kumar — have already been suspended for their involvement in the incident. Prasanna, who was in charge of maintaining the station’s general diary (GD), allegedly aided in the illegal detention, made casteist remarks and told Bindu to consume water from the toilet when she requested drinking water. Prasad’s suspension was based on an adverse report filed by the special branch assistant commissioner, who had probed the incident. Though an FIR was registered, she was later released after the complainant admitted that the ornaments were found at home. Later, Bindu approached the chief minister’s office but faced setback as his political secretary P Sasi allegedly dismissed her complaint. The issue gained momentum after public outcry, prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to call the incident ‘unacceptable’. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https://thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
When Ambedkar said – Now even if God forbids, I will not remain a Hindu! Know the shocking truth behind conversion
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s conversion: When and how did this historic journey begin? Know the inspiring events and ideology behind his decision. ‘A Part Apart the Life and Thought of B.R. Ambedkar’ gives information about when Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s direct inclination towards conversion began. It reveals many interesting facts about the role of his conversion. By combining facts from many such works, the book ‘Dharma Conversion: Ambedkar Ki Dhamma Yatra’ compiled by Dr. Ratan Lal, published by Rajkamal Prakashan, brings many untold stories to the reader. In the middle of 1935, a rumour spread that Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar was retiring from public life. Whatever thoughts Ambedkar had about retiring from public life, they were soon negated by an important decision. In August 1935, he wrote to Henry Knight, the Home Secretary of Bombay Province, that he would formally end the Kalaram Mandir Satyagraha by announcing his renunciation of Hinduism. 2 months later, Knight reminded Ambedkar of the letter. Then in a letter written on 11 October 1935, Ambedkar told Knight that he had not forgotten it. Meanwhile, preparations were underway for the historic mass meeting of followers at Yeola. Letters written by Ambedkar to Bhaurao Gaekwad show that plans to hold the Yeola conference were underway since 1932. Finally, the historic day arrived on 13 October 1935 when Ambedkar made his historic announcement at Yeola. While describing in detail the unbearable suffering of the untouchable society, Ambedkar announced his decision to renounce Hinduism in these words: “Unfortunately, I was born with the stigma of being an untouchable Hindu. Although this was not in my control. But it is in my power to shake off this inferior status and improve the situation, and no one should have any doubt about this that I will do it. Today I am clearly telling you that I will not die calling myself a Hindu. Which religion the untouchables will adopt after renouncing Hinduism will depend entirely on their own will. They will only have to ensure that they accept only that religion in which they have the right to equality.” Ambedkar’s announcement of conversion led to an explosive reaction among various forums, organizations and individuals. There was also a detailed discussion in the media. Newspapers like The People, Indian Witness, Janmabhoomi, Prajamitra, Jam-e-Jamshed, Navakal, The Congress Socialist, Sanghshakti, Satyashodhak Ratnagiri, Loksatta, Kesari, Subodh Patrika criticized the conversion in their own way. On the other hand, articles were written in support of conversion in newspapers like Lokmanya, Gyanprakash, Vihar, Sevak, Rashtraveer, Deen Mitra, Vividh Vrit. The magazine ‘Nirbhid’ edited by Anant Hari Gadre, a Brahmin playwright with reformist ideas, also supported Ambedkar. When the announcement of conversion spread all over the world, then the big representatives of Christianity, Islam and Sikhism started coming to meet Ambedkar and tried to include him in their respective religions. Arya Samaj leader Pandit Shrutbandhu Shastri was ready to give his daughter for Ambedkar’s son, but he never brought his daughter to Rajgriha to show her. Sardar Dilip Singh Thobia, Vice President of Golden Temple, Amritsar, sent a telegram to Baba Saheb from Amritsar requesting him that Sikhism believes in monotheism based on equality, so he should accept this religion. Dharmanand Kosambi went to his residence Rajgriha and met him. There was a deep discussion between the two on Buddhism. Dharmanand Kosambi felt that Ambedkar was not yet bound to any religion, but he was inclined towards Buddhism. Aga Khan also told his followers in one of his meetings that untouchables want to leave Hinduism and accept another religion. Therefore, it is our duty to bring them to our religion and develop them all-round. The youth of our sect should work for this task. By doing this, they will be called servants of Islam. But the followers of Aga Khan did not make any such effort. According to chapter 6 of ‘Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar: Life and Thoughts’, published by Samyak Prakashan in 2017 by Khairmode, the general secretary of the Mahabodhi Society, Banaras, sent a telegram to Ambedkar requesting him, “If you have decided to convert, please accept Buddhism. There are Buddhists all over the Asian continent, there is no caste discrimination among them and if you adopt this religion, our Dhamma preachers will be sent to help you.” Khalid Gauba, who was earlier a Hindu Arya Samaji, sent a telegram to Ambedkar requesting him to accept Islam. He wrote, “In this religion, you and your community will be given full rights.” On the other hand, the Sanatani Hindus of Nashik were happy with Ambedkar’s announcement because now the untouchables would not create obstacles in their Rath Yatra, due to which the Rath Yatra ceremony would be completed without any hindrance. On the other hand, some Hindu leaders passed the proposal of Paanv Poojan, Janeu Pehnaao program and inter-caste marriage and community meals to please the untouchables. But Ambedkar did not show any interest in these programs. Caste system exists in all religions in India. Ambedkar had a clear ideology that by becoming a Muslim, we are not going to become Nawab in a day or two, even after accepting Sikhism, we are not going to become Sardar immediately, and by becoming a Christian, we will not become a sinner. That is, no matter which religion we adopt, we will have to struggle for our self-respect and bright future. Ambedkar was determined, he said: “Now even if Hindus make their God stand with me, I will not remain in Hinduism. Whether the touchable Hindus do anything for the untouchables or not, one thing is certain that now I will renounce Hinduism.” Courtesy : Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi News
The story of appointment, dismissal and return of Rajasthan tribal judge Pinky Meena: Supreme Court said—Participation of women in judiciary will break gender stereotypes
The court said, “Pinky Meena has proved her merit in the Rajasthan Judicial Service Examination while fighting social stigma and completing her education under difficult circumstances. Her dismissal is akin to a ‘death sentence’ given for a minor irregularity (omission to hide information).” New Delhi- The Supreme Court, while giving a historic verdict in an important case of Rajasthan High Court, has provided great relief to Pinky Meena, belonging to the tribal community, against her dismissal from the services of a civil judge. In its judgment given on 22 May 2025, the Supreme Court quashed the order of 24 August 2023 passed by the Rajasthan High Court, in which Pinky Meena’s writ petition was dismissed. Along with this, the Supreme Court also quashed the show cause notice issued on 17 February 2020 and the dismissal order of 29 May 2020. In this decision, Pinky Meena has been directed to be reinstated in service with immediate effect and to provide all consequential benefits such as seniority fixation and pay fixation (excluding the previous salary). Background of the case Pinky Meena had got selected for the post of Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate in Rajasthan Judicial Service (RJS) on the basis of her educational qualification and hard work. She has a degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM). She started serving as a second class teacher in the Education Department of Rajasthan Government from 30 December 2014. On 18 November 2017, an advertisement was issued by the Rajasthan High Court for the post of Civil Judge, in which Pinky applied and cleared the preliminary examination, main examination and interview. On 11 February 2019, she was issued an appointment letter as Civil Judge, and she started training from 6 March 2019, which she completed with excellent performance on 7 March 2020. However, after her appointment, complaints were filed against her by persons named Abhishek Verma and Ram Niwas Meena, based on which the Rajasthan High Court issued a show cause notice against her and later terminated her services. High Court’s decision and appeal in the Supreme Court The Rajasthan High Court on 24 August 2023 dismissed the writ petition of Pinky Meena, upholding the show cause notice and dismissal order. The High Court in its judgment held that Pinky had concealed information regarding her previous government job and educational qualifications as a teacher, which amounted to irregularity under Rule 14 of the Rajasthan Judicial Service Rules, 2010. Against this, Pinky filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court, which was heard by a bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice B.V. Nagarathna. Allegations against Pinky Meena and her reply The Rajasthan High Court had levelled five main allegations against Pinky: Pursuing LLB and B.Ed simultaneously: The High Court alleged that Pinky obtained LLB and B.Ed degrees in the same year, which is not permissible under Rajasthan University Ordinance 168-A. Pinky responded by saying that the LLB first year examination is not considered the main examination of the degree. Fraud in attendance during LLM: The High Court claimed that Pinky obtained the LLM degree as a regular student while serving as a teacher, which is improper. Pinky clarified that regular classes for LLM are not usually held. Concealing information about previous job: The High Court said that Pinky concealed information about her government job at the time of interview. Pinky replied that at the time of interview (November 2, 2018) she had already resigned, and there was no column in the checklist to provide such information. Absence of NOC: The High Court alleged that Pinky did not obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Education Department for the RJS exam. Pinky said that there is no such condition in the RJS rules. Concealment of appointment information: The High Court claimed that Pinky concealed information about her RJS appointment from both the Education Department and the High Court. Pinky responded that she was not in government service at the time of appointment, so there was no need to provide any information. The Supreme Court examined these allegations and found that all these allegations relate to the time when Pinky was not in judicial service but was working in the Education Department. The Court held that no action was taken by the Education Department in these matters, and it is not appropriate to make them the basis for her dismissal in judicial service. What the Supreme Court said The Supreme Court, in its 21-page judgment, not only ordered the reinstatement of Pinky Meena in service, but also made it clear that her dismissal violates the principles of natural justice and Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The court made several important observations in its judgment, which underline the gravity and social context of the case. The court said, “Pinky Meena has proved her worth in the Rajasthan Judicial Service Examination while fighting social stigma and completing her education under difficult circumstances. Her dismissal is akin to a ‘death sentence’ for a minor irregularity (omission to conceal information).” The court also held that Pinky did not disclose information about her previous government job, but it is not a serious misconduct, as she had resigned from her job on 25 October 2018, and at the time of the interview (2 November 2018) she was not in government service. The court stressed on the violation of the principles of natural justice and said, “Pinky was not given an opportunity of a fair hearing during the investigation. The inquiry officer conducted the investigation behind her back, and the investigation report was not provided to her. This is a clear violation of the principles of natural justice.” Citing the case of Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab (1974), the Court clarified that if the termination of service of a probationer is done on the ground of misconduct, it is mandatory to give him an opportunity for proper inquiry and hearing, otherwise it would
Punishment for raising questions on Rafale deal! Case registered against Dalit student leader — Know the whole matter
Police registered case against Dalit PhD student leader who demanded answers from the Central Government on Rafale deal, student organizations protest across the country Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh — Uttar Pradesh Police has registered a case against Manish Kumar, a Dalit PhD scholar and student leader of Allahabad University, for raising questions on the Central Government on the Rafale fighter aircraft deal on social media. Manish Kumar, who is the Uttar Pradesh state president of the All India Students Association (AISA), posted on Facebook and raised questions about the Rafale deal and the alleged losses in the India-Pakistan conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack. 26 people were killed in this terrorist attack. In his post, Manish wrote, “Why has the Modi government not yet denied the reports claiming that India lost several Rafale jets during the conflict? Why has no transparency or clarity been given on this till now?” On May 14, the police filed an FIR against Manish under Section 353(2) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS) and Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which deal with statements and online content that are deemed inflammatory, offensive or misleading. The police have not clearly stated the reason for filing the case under these sections, but activists and student organisations say such action threatens the right to debate and dissent in academic institutions. At present, Manish has not been arrested, but the legal process is ongoing. According to a report by Clarion India, several Hindutva groups are preparing to challenge the FIR in court, saying it violates the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. The AISA issued a statement condemning the FIR, saying, “The FIR against Comrade Manish is no exception. It is part of the ongoing crackdown on dissent across the country after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. There have been over 3,000 arrests in Jammu and Kashmir alone.” The statement further said that 42 people were jailed for ‘pro-Pakistan’ posts in Assam, while 30 arrests and 40 FIRs have been registered in Uttar Pradesh so far. AISA said in its statement, “Students, artists and citizens are being targeted across the country. This is not democracy, but the rule of fear.” Courtesy : Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi Newsw
Caste-related abuses, dragged by hair, attempt to tear clothes — tragedy for Dalit couple in Bhadohi! Police register case against 6
Brave attack on Dalit farmer and his wife in Anaich village of Bhadohi in dispute over cattle grazing, caste-related abuses and assault, police register case against 6 accused. Bhadohi (Uttar Pradesh): A Dalit farmer and his wife were brutally assaulted and caste-related abuses were hurled at them on Friday morning in Anaich village under Unjh police station area of Bhadohi district. Police gave this information on Sunday. The incident took place after a dispute over cattle entering the field and grazing the crop. Police have registered a case against six people in this matter. According to the police, the complainant Deepak Kumar Pasi is a landless Dalit farmer who cultivates urad (black lentil) on sharecropping basis on the land of a village landlord. Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhimanyu Mangalik said, “When Deepak complained about Rajaram Yadav’s cows and buffaloes entering his crop, Rajaram got angry. He abused Deepak using caste-related language and along with his associates beat him with sticks and iron rods.” According to the complaint, the attackers dragged Deepak’s wife Sumitra by her hair around the field, beat her and tried to tear her clothes. Deepak, Sumitra and other members of their family were injured in the attack. Deepak and Sumitra were admitted to the hospital due to serious injuries, while the other four members of the family were discharged after first aid. Based on Deepak’s complaint, the police have registered a case against Rajaram Yadav, Diljeet Yadav, Arvind Yadav, Rajendra Yadav, Parvati Devi and Tara Devi. The police is investigating the matter. Courtesy: Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi News
Dalit family thrashed, woman disrobed over cattle row in UP village; six booked
SP Abhimanyu Manglik said Rajaram Yadav got enraged when Deepak objected to his cattle grazing and, with others, hurled caste slurs and assaulted him with rods. BHADOHI: A Dalit farmer and his wife were beaten with sticks and iron rods and subjected to caste-based abuse in a village in UP, police on Sunday said. The incident took place Friday morning in Anaich village, under the Oonjh Police Station area, over grazing of cattle. Six people have been booked in the matter. According to police, the complainant was Deepak Kumar Pasi, a landless Dalit farmer, who cultivates urad (black gram) on a sharecropping basis in a local villager’s field. Deepak, police said, objected to another villager’s cattle grazing in his field when he, his wife, Sumitra, his elder brother, and his mother were assaulted. Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhimanyu Manglik said, “When Deepak complained about Rajaram Yadav’s cattle grazing in his field, Rajaram became enraged. He hurled at Deepak casteist slurs and with the help of others beat him with sticks and iron rods.” According to the complaint, the attackers dragged Sumitra by her hair across the field, beat her, and disrobed her. Deepak and Sumitra were admitted to a hospital due to the serious injuries, while the four other of his family members were discharged with little treatment. Based on Deepak’s complaint, police have booked Rajaram Yadav, Dilajeet Yadav, Arvind Yadav, Rajendra Yadav, Parvati Devi, and Tara Devi. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
2 held after Dalit student shot dead in Saharanpur
Meerut: Two people were arrested on Sunday after a 19-year-old Dalit student was shot dead outside a college in Saharanpur the previous day, police said. The incident took place around 1 pm on the Gagalheri-Deoband highway in the Nagal police station area. Ashutosh Singh, a first-year B Pharma student, had just appeared for an examination when 5–6 masked men attacked him and his friend Aryan Malik with sticks. As other students tried to intervene, one of the assailants opened fire, shooting Ashutosh in the face. He collapsed and was declared dead at the hospital, while Aryan is undergoing treatment. The incident triggered protests by Bhim Army and other minority groups, demanding immediate action. SSP Saharanpur Rohit Singh Sajwan said, “It appears the attack was driven by personal enmity. Ashutosh was killed while trying to save his friend. We are investigating all angles.” He added that after a brief exchange of gunfire, two suspects — Udit Rod and Ayush Kumar, both residents of Saharanpur — were arrested. The car and weapon used in the crime were recovered, and efforts are on to trace the others involved. Police said an FIR under BNS sections 191(2), 191(3) (rioting), 103 (murder), 109 (attempt to murder), 3(2)(5) of the SC/ST Act, and other relevant sections has been registered against 6–7 men. “Efforts are being made to identify and arrest the others involved in the attack,” the SSP said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Bengaluru: Dalit, Lingayat leaders oppose Lingayats registering as Beda Jangamas
The Beda/Buduga Jangamas (SC), who constituted a population of 5,141 in the 1961 census, saw a massive rise to 4,10,804 as per data from the social and educational survey report (caste census) With the statewide survey of Scheduled Castes (SCs) having entered its last week, both Dalit and Lingayat leaders have strongly asserted that Lingayat Jangamas shouldn’t be included with SC Jangamas. The Beda/Buduga Jangamas (SC), who constituted a population of 5,141 in the 1961 census, saw a massive rise to 4,10,804 as per data from the social and educational survey report (caste census). Alarmed at the spike in numbers, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, an SC (right) leader, strictly urged the state government at the party rally in Hosapete recently to ensure that Lingayat Jangamas were not included in the SC list, adding that those providing fake certificates must be arrested. In a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa – a senior SC (Left) leader in the Congress – had opposed including Lingayat Jangamas with Beda Jangamas. Attributing the massive increase to several Lingayat Jangamas registering as SCs, Lingayat leaders have urged their fellow community members to not register under the SC category. “Most of them are Veerashaivas and not Beda Jangamas. Those without Beda/Buduga Jangama certificates shouldn’t be considered as SCs in the survey,” said H M Renuka Prasanna, general secretary of All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha. Social welfare department commissioner Rakesh Kumar told DH that they had received complaints, adding that the commission on internal reservation headed by retired High Court judge Justice H N Nagamohan Das would take a suitable decision before submitting its final report. Justice Das told DH that merely being included in the survey would not mean that all individuals would get caste certificates. “They must apply through proper channels, produce relevant documents and follow proper procedure to get certificates”. Issuing caste certificates was not in the domain of the commission. If people complain of fake caste certificates, those aware of it should bring it to the notice of caste verification committees at the district level, he said. Courtesy : Deccan Herald Note: This news is originally published on https://deccanherald.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Kadiam Srihari Says Only Congress Uplifted Dalits Politically And Socially
Kadiyam Srihari credits Congress for Dalit empowerment; alleges corruption in Dalit Bandhu scheme under BRS. Warangal: Former Telangana deputy chief minister and Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari declared that it is only the Congress that uplifted Dalits politically, economically and socially. Participating in the Madigala Atmeeya Sammelan at Lingala Ghanpur mandal in Jangaon district on Sunday, Srihari pointed out that since India got independence, Dalits have remained with the Congress party. “Because of the Constitution, Dalits have been able to stand on their own in the society. It is scary to imagine what would have happened without Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution,” the former deputy CM said. He pointed out that landlords used to dominate the politics in Warangal. “But without bowing my head or making even the slightest mistake, I have continued in politics for 30 years,” he pointed out. Srihari said during the previous BRS government, then MLA Thatikonda Rajaiah sold posts, jobs and even welfare schemes. “He even cheated Dalit people by taking money from them before they could benefit from the Dalit Bandhu Scheme,” the Station Ghanpur MLA pointed out. The former deputy CM maintained that those who work hard for the party and support people will be given first priority in Congress Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle Note: This news is originally published on https://deccanchronicle.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.