Delhi University's 'Single Girl Child' Quota For Admission Violates Right To Equality: St Stephen's College To HC

St. Stephen's College has challenged the Delhi University's 'single girl child quota' for admissions in the Delhi High Court, arguing that it violates the right to equality as outlined in several articles of the Constitution. The college's counsel claimed that the quota is ultra vires to Articles 14, 15(3), 15(5), and 30, asserting that the allocation of seats under this quota is unjust. The court questioned why the college had not previously raised this objection or challenged the university's admission bulletin. The university's bulletin reserves one seat in each program for a single girl child, requiring parents to declare that she is their only child. The college initially agreed to the quota but now contends that the university is imposing conditions that contradict the bulletin. The college's counsel emphasized that there is no legal backing for this quota, suggesting it is a unilateral decision by the university. In response, the university's advocate pointed out that other minority colleges under its jurisdiction have not raised similar issues, indicating that the college's stance is isolated. The advocate criticized the college for potentially jeopardizing the admissions of students whose names were already released as selected candidates. The court expressed concern over the college's request for additional time to respond to the university's counter affidavit, noting that ample time had already been provided for arguments. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing, focusing on specific points raised during the proceedings.