Delhi High Court permits St. Stephen’s College to grant 15% interview weightage for Christian student admissions.

The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of minority institutions, stating that conducting interviews as part of the admission process is not contrary to their interests. The decision comes after the Court recognized in September 2022 that it is up to minority institutions to determine what is in the best interest of their respective communities.

The Court emphasized that allowing a petitioner college to admit students from the minority community based on 85% weightage given to their CUET scores and 15% weightage given to their interview would further the interests of the community. This decision is in conflict with a communication from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which the Court deemed to be in violation of the college’s rights under Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution and the earlier decision of the High Court.

The Court criticized the UGC’s notification, stating that it simply reiterated the decision made by the UGC’s Executive Committee in a meeting on December 8, 2022. The Court found a lack of reasoning in the notification and concluded that the respondents did not apply their minds when making the decision.