Delhi HC allows JNU to continue admissions based on deprivation points
The Delhi High Court has allowed Jawaharlal Nehru University to continue its postgraduate admissions process using a long-standing 'deprivation points' system. The court criticized the timing of the legal challenge, noting that the admission process was already well underway.
Why it matters
It addresses the legal and social implications of affirmative action-style policies in higher education and the stability of academic admission cycles.
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to continue its postgraduate admission process, modifying an earlier order that had put admissions involving “deprivation points” on hold.
A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said JNU could proceed with admissions in accordance with its 2026-27 e-prospectus, but clarified that all admissions made under the disputed provisions would remain subject to the outcome of a petition pending before a single-judge Bench.
The single-judge Bench had, on August 14, directed that admissions based on deprivation points not be finalised and that no further steps be taken until August 24. The order followed a petition filed by Amit Mehra, who is seeking admission to a postgraduate course at JNU.
Deprivation points are additional marks awarded to applicants from certain geographically disadvantaged areas.
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