Hyderabad, January 18, 2026: The Telangana government announced plans to introduce the Rohith Vemula Act, a legislative measure aimed at preventing discrimination against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) students in educational institutions across the state. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka following a meeting with members of the Justice for Rohith Vemula Campaign Committee from Karnataka.

The committee, which submitted a draft of the Rohith Vemula Act, 2025—modeled after legislation envisaged by the Karnataka government—met with Vikramarka at Praja Bhavan on Saturday. The proposed legislation is designed to provide a robust framework for addressing caste-based discrimination, extending beyond explicit acts to include subtle and systemic forms such as microaggressions, institutional bias, and indirect discrimination.

Vikramarka, speaking to the committee, assured that the state government, in consultation with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, would enact the law at the earliest possible date. He acknowledged the urgency of creating a legal environment where SC and ST students can pursue their education free from harassment, exclusion, or caste-based violence.

The announcement comes a decade after the tragic death of Rohith Vemula, a 26-year-old Dalit scholar of the University of Hyderabad, who took his own life on January 17, 2016, citing caste discrimination by university authorities. Vemula’s stipend had been cancelled and his PhD suspended following a dispute involving members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), leaving him in a vulnerable position that he described in personal writings as isolating and unjust. His death ignited nationwide debates on caste discrimination in higher education, student rights, and institutional accountability.

The draft legislation submitted by the Karnataka delegation expands the definition of discrimination, describing it as “any intentional or unintentional action or omission that has an adverse effect on an SC/ST individual or a group.” It provides a civil framework for resolving conflicts, prioritising non-criminal methods while still holding institutions accountable. The law is designed to address evolving forms of discrimination that are often subtle yet deeply impactful, including everyday acts that marginalize students or deny them access to opportunities.

The delegation included prominent Ambedkarite leaders, academics, and student activists, such as Hulikunte Murthy, assistant professor Dr. Ashna Singh, advocate V Mrudula, and Rahul, a member of the Ambedkar Students’ Association. Vemula’s mother, Radhika Vemula, and brother, Raja Vemula, along with senior faculty from the University of Hyderabad and Vemula’s peers, were also present during discussions, lending both personal and academic perspectives to the proposed law.

Deputy CM Vikramarka highlighted that the state government would carefully study the draft bill and ensure that its provisions are implemented effectively. He also underscored the need for timely action in providing relief to students and faculty who faced legal consequences in the aftermath of Rohith Vemula’s death, including the 50 students and two teachers against whom non-bailable cases were registered.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also emphasised the necessity of the Act, noting that caste-based discrimination remains a persistent challenge in Indian educational institutions. In a post on X marking ten years since Vemula’s death, Gandhi said, “Rohith’s question still resonates in our hearts: Does everyone in this country have an equal right to dream?” He stressed that the Rohith Vemula Act is more than symbolic—it is a legal mechanism to ensure accountability and protect the rights of marginalized students. Gandhi called for strict action against perpetrators and underscored the Congress party’s commitment to implementing the law in Karnataka and Telangana.

The Telangana initiative coincides with a broader commemorative effort on the University of Hyderabad campus, where members of the Ambedkar Students’ Association and other student groups organised a Mashaal Juloos (torch procession) to honour Vemula’s memory. Speakers at the event, including his mother Radhika Vemula and members of the campaign committee, stressed the continued relevance of the struggle against caste discrimination and urged the government to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.

The Rohith Vemula Act is expected to cover a range of protective measures, including:

• Clear definitions of caste-based discrimination and harassment, including indirect or systemic acts.
• Mechanisms for students to report instances of discrimination in a safe and confidential manner.
• Civil remedies that can address grievances without criminalizing students or staff unnecessarily.
• Institutional accountability, ensuring that universities and colleges have internal systems to prevent and respond to discrimination.
• Safeguards for students and faculty who face retaliation for raising concerns or participating in protests.

Educational experts have widely welcomed the initiative, calling it a critical step toward inclusive campuses in India. “The Rohith Vemula Act represents an attempt to codify protections for students that go beyond traditional anti-discrimination laws,” said Prof. Anjali Menon, a sociologist specialising in education and social justice. “It acknowledges the realities of caste bias that are often invisible yet profoundly damaging, and provides students a pathway to assert their rights.”

While the law is still in draft form in Telangana, its introduction is seen as a significant political and social commitment by the state government to address long-standing inequalities in higher education. Lawmakers, activists, and academics alike hope that the legislation will set a precedent for other states to follow, ensuring that campuses across India are safe and equitable for students from marginalized communities.

The Rohith Vemula Act is poised to serve both as a memorial to a young student whose life was tragically cut short and as a practical legal safeguard to prevent future discrimination. By integrating civil remedies, institutional oversight, and explicit definitions of discrimination, Telangana aims to create a model framework that balances accountability with restorative justice.

As Deputy CM Vikramarka noted, the legislation will be introduced soon, signaling the state’s determination to address social inequities and protect the educational rights of SC and ST students. With strong backing from student groups, civil society, and political leaders, the Rohith Vemula Act could become a landmark law in India’s fight against caste-based discrimination in educational institutions.