The Karnataka Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Discrimination, Exclusion or Injustice) Bill, 2026, aims to combat caste-based discrimination in higher education by outlining 30 specific discriminatory acts. The bill applies to all higher education institutions in Karnataka, including public and private universities, and introduces significant regulatory measures. Key provisions include the establishment of Equity Committees in every institution, which must consist of at least 80% members from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. These committees will handle discrimination complaints, which must be investigated within 90 days. Institutions found in violation may face penalties of up to ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD) and potential withdrawal of government funding. A controversial aspect of the bill is a clause that presumes discrimination unless proven otherwise, shifting the burden of proof to the accused, which raises concerns among legal experts about its compatibility with established legal principles. The bill also requires institutions to maintain confidentiality regarding caste identity and includes provisions for compensation to the families of SC/ST students who die by suicide. While the legislation aims to create a framework for addressing discrimination, its broad provisions have sparked concerns among educators regarding potential implementation challenges and impacts on academic autonomy.