Bareilly Magistrate Resigns in Protest Against New UGC Regulations
In a dramatic development from Uttar Pradesh, Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri tendered his resignation on Monday, vehemently opposing the newly introduced University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. Agnihotri labeled the rules a "black law" that could potentially foment caste-based discontent within higher educational institutions across the country.
Resignation Over Equity Regulations
The 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer submitted his resignation via email to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh. The controversial regulations, officially titled the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, were notified by the UGC on January 13.
These rules mandate colleges and universities to establish special committees, helplines, and monitoring teams specifically to address complaints from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students. While intended to curb caste-based discrimination, the framework has sparked significant criticism from general category students who argue it could lead to discrimination against them.
Allegations of Discrimination and Social Unrest
In his resignation letter, Agnihotri asserted that it becomes necessary to "awaken" the government when it adopts policies that "divide society and the nation." Speaking to reporters after attending Republic Day functions, the magistrate warned that the new UGC rules could lead to atrocities against Brahmins and described the provisions as discriminatory.
"The provisions were discriminatory and could lead to social unrest and internal discontent," Agnihotri stated, expressing concern that the regulations would vitiate the academic environment in colleges and should be withdrawn immediately.
Hostage Allegations and Official Response
The situation took a more serious turn when Agnihotri, an alumnus of Banaras Hindu University where he studied B.Tech and LLB, leveled serious allegations against District Magistrate Avinash Singh. He claimed he was held hostage for 45 minutes at the DM's residence and verbally abused, with people present allegedly saying, "Pandit paagal ho gayaa hai" (Pandit has gone mad).
"I was held hostage at the DM's residence for 45 minutes. A call came to the DM from Lucknow. I was verbally abused, and they said, 'pandit has gone mad. Keep him hostage all night.' I had already informed the media about my situation. I was released at the behest of the Senior Superintendent of Police," Agnihotri told news agency PTI.
District Magistrate Avinash Singh, however, categorically dismissed these allegations, stating that when Agnihotri came to see him, numerous officials including Additional District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Circle Officers, Local Intelligence Unit officials, and the Senior Superintendent of Police were all present at his residence.
Political Reactions and Brahmin Community Response
The resignation quickly sparked political reactions across party lines. State Congress president Ajay Rai called Agnihotri's resignation a serious issue, suggesting in a Hindi post on X that under BJP rule, "the Constitution, faith and freedom of expression are all under threat."
Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Bareilly MP Praveen Singh Aron responded to the development, emphasizing that "the true strength of governance lies in upholding the principles of righteous rule (Raj Dharma) and constitutional values." He added that this was not merely a political question but concerned "the very soul of democracy."
Meanwhile, Brahmin leaders have been gathering at the state guest house in Bareilly since Monday afternoon, indicating growing community concern over the issue.
Background of the Resigning Magistrate
Alankar Agnihotri, a resident of Kanpur Nagar, has previously served as a sub-divisional magistrate in several key districts including Unnao, Balrampur, and Lucknow. Known in administrative circles for his straightforward views and strict working style, he has also worked in the United States, bringing international experience to his administrative role.
The controversy surrounding the UGC regulations continues to unfold, with this high-profile resignation highlighting the deep divisions and concerns about how equity measures are implemented in India's higher education system.
