SRCC false caste-bias case: DU college says ‘no such incident’ but video viral amid UGC equity regulations row

Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) has denied claims circulating on social media an alleged caste-based harassment case linked to a rejected marriage proposal and a monetary settlement.

The clarification came after a video went viral on X, in which an unknown man alleges that a third-year Dalit student at SRCC proposed to a general-category female student, and after she rejected him, filed a complaint against her under provisions related to SC/ST Act. The video further claims that the woman allegedly paid Rs 50,000 to have the complaint withdrawn.

In an official statement, SRCC said that “no such alleged incident/ act has been reported in the college nor does the college have any knowledge of such alleged incident/ act happening. The claims/ allegations being made are entirely the responsibility of the claimant(s).”

Also read What are UGC Equity Regulations 2026 and why are they facing ‘general-category’ backlash?

The statement was issued by Harish Kumar, convenor of the college’s Digital Interface and Media & PR vertical.

Viral video and UGC equity regulations

The video gained attention amid heightened public debate around the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Equity Regulations, 2026, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions.

Recently, the UGC has directed universities and colleges to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, set up Equal Opportunity Cells, and ensure time-bound inquiry into complaints related to discrimination, harassment or exclusion based on historically-marginalised castes and communities.

However, the regulations have faced opposition from sections of students, particularly those identifying as general category, who argue that the rules lack safeguards against false or malicious complaints. Amid protests across several universities, the Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of the UGC regulations.

Also read Allahabad University, central institutes ‘bypass’ SC, ST hiring with ‘not found suitable’ excuse: Panel

In Delhi University, general category students staged protests on Wednesday against the regulations, calling them “biased and divisive” and arguing that they could deepen caste divisions on campuses rather than resolve discrimination.

The UGC regulations were framed following long-standing demands from student groups and activists, who have repeatedly alleged that caste-based discrimination on campuses often goes unaddressed. The opposition has led to a court case and on Thursday, the Supreme Court stayed the new regulations.