SC puts stay on New UGC Equity regulations, seeks reconsideration
New Delhi | Desk: In a significant ruling on January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new Equity Regulations 2026. The court stated that the matter needed serious reconsideration. This decision is considered a major setback for the central government and the UGC, while it is seen as a significant victory for the students protesting against the new regulations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the central government and the UGC, stating that the old UGC Regulations of 2012 would remain in effect for the time being.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court made strong observations, stating that it hoped India was not moving towards segregated schools like those in the United States. The court questioned, "Is India becoming a regressive society?"
The bench also stated that the unity of the country should be reflected in educational institutions.
The court raised serious objections to Regulation 3(c) of the new regulations, which defines caste-based discrimination. The court said that this provision lacked clarity and could be misused. Therefore, its language needed to be revised.
It is noteworthy that the new UGC Regulations, notified on January 13, mandated the formation of "Equity Committees" in all higher education institutions. These committees were required to include representatives from OBC, SC, ST, persons with disabilities, and women. This system was introduced to replace the advisory regulations of 2012.
However, protests erupted across the country against these new rules. The protesting students alleged that the definition of caste-based discrimination in the new regulations was too narrow and limited only to SC, ST, and OBC categories. This, they argued, excluded general category students from institutional protection and grievance redressal.
Student organizations also stated that the new regulations, instead of promoting equality, could exacerbate discrimination, as they did not include any mandatory representation for general category students. Following mounting protests and several petitions, the Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the new UGC equity regulations and ordered that the status quo be maintained until the next hearing of the case.
