The Congress-led government in Karnataka has slowed down the implementation of the Karnataka Rohith Vemula Bill 2025. This law aims to protect SC/ST students from caste-based discrimination in higher education. It was a key promise in the Congress’s 2024 Lok Sabha manifesto. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in 2025 to pass the bill quickly. The issue gained attention after the Supreme Court stayed the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations on promoting equity in higher education institutions, leading to protests for and against these rules. The Rohith Vemula Act, meant to be in place before the UGC rules, remains delayed. Mavalli Shankar, State Convenor of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, said they plan to petition the Chief Minister during the upcoming budget session for the law's enactment. He stressed the urgent need, citing a 118.4% rise in atrocities against SC/ST students on campuses over the past five years. Disputes have caused the hold-up, especially over whether only SC and ST students or also other oppressed groups like OBCs and minorities should be included. The draft bill, prepared by Karnataka’s Law Department, initially included SC, ST, OBC, and minorities. However, Dalit groups argue that discrimination against SC/ST students differs from that faced by OBCs and minorities. They want the bill to focus only on SC/ST students and suggest separate laws or stronger anti-ragging measures for others. Minister Priyank Kharge and other pro-Dalit leaders support implementing the Rohith Vemula Act exclusively for SC/ST students. Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar confirmed that the draft has been finalized with this focus. He said, "The Rohith Vemula Bill-2025 is still under discussion. The draft has been finalized. We have decided to implement the Act only for SC/STs." The civil society group Campaign for Rohith Act submitted a detailed draft, mostly accepted by the government. After discussions with ministers and experts, the draft is now with the Social Welfare Department for their input. The government aims to table the bill in the current budget session, according to Minister Kharge. The delay has raised concerns as the Supreme Court stay on UGC equity regulations leaves a gap in protection for SC/ST students. Activists demand swift action to pass the Karnataka Rohith Vemula Bill 2025 and address rising caste discrimination in colleges and universities.