Delhi University's St. Stephen's College, renowned for its academic excellence and long-standing minority status, is facing allegations of exceeding the permitted quota for Christian students in the current admission cycle. The university has accused the college of admitting 73 students under the Christian quota, surpassing the 50% limit reserved for minority candidates.
As a minority institution, St. Stephen's College is granted autonomy in its admissions process, allowing it to reserve half of its seats for Christian students. However, the university has raised concerns that the college may have overstepped this quota. In response to the allegations, Delhi University has requested the college to provide an explanation for the excess admissions and to take corrective measures if necessary.
St. Stephen's College has maintained that it adheres strictly to the admission guidelines and denies any wrongdoing. The college asserts that its admission practices are in line with the rules established by its minority status, which it has held for many years. This status not only allows the college to reserve seats for Christian students but also grants it certain autonomies in managing its admissions process.
This is not the first time the university has scrutinised the college's admission practices. In the past, there have been similar concerns raised about the college's handling of its minority quota, leading to tensions between the college and the university administration.
As per TOI reports, St. Stephen's College is expected to formally respond to the university's notice and clarify its stance on the alleged quota breach. Depending on the college's response, the university may consider further action to ensure compliance with admission regulations. This incident has once again brought the delicate balance between minority rights and regulatory oversight into the spotlight, raising questions about how such institutions manage their special status while adhering to broader university guidelines.