The University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, were introduced to combat campus-based caste discrimination but faced severe pushback from student groups demanding their withdrawal. In response to three petitions, the Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the new rules on January 29, criticizing certain provisions as vague and potentially divisive. Exercising its powers under Article 142, the bench directed that the 2012 equity regulations remain operative in the interim. The Centre clarified it has not yet formally constituted the review committee as the court awaits formal responses from the government and UGC.
Key points
The central government is contemplating a committee to review the equity regulations but…: The central government is contemplating a committee to review the equity regulations but has not formally appointed one yet.
The 2012 equity regulations will govern higher education institutions until further judic…: The 2012 equity regulations will govern higher education institutions until further judicial orders are issued.
The Supreme Court has sought formal responses from both the Centre and the UGC regarding…: The Supreme Court has sought formal responses from both the Centre and the UGC regarding three petitions challenging the framework.
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Mehta made the submission before a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, which was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the UGC regulations. He told the court that the government was considering the formation of a committee while keeping the interests of students and the younger generation in mind, Bar and Bench reported.
The development comes after the Supreme Court put the implementation of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, on hold on January 29, citing concerns over the wording and possible consequences of certain provisions.
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Centre considers committee to revisit UGC regulations
During Thursday's hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the government was contemplating appointing a committee to examine the regulations and address concerns surrounding them."The government has taken a decision that every student should be taken care of. Nobody should have any apprehension. Nobody should feel dissatisfied. We are also considering the interests of the younger generation. The…
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