Centre tells Supreme Court UGC campus equity rules under review
New Delhi, August 20: The Union government on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, are being reconsidered. The regulations, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses, have been under judicial scrutiny since January.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the validity of the 2026 regulations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court: "This is the UGC regulation matter. It is under reconsideration."
The Bench directed the UGC to file a comprehensive counter affidavit within four weeks. It also allowed the petitioners to file rejoinders, if any, within two weeks thereafter.
The Supreme Court had on January 29 stayed the operation of the 2026 regulations, observing that the framework was "prima facie vague", could have "very sweeping consequences", and might divide society with a "dangerous impact". The court had simultaneously directed that the earlier University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2012, would remain in force until further orders.
During the earlier hearing, the court had raised specific concerns. It questioned the need for a separate definition of "caste-based discrimination" in Regulation 3(1)(c) when Regulation 3(1)(e) already provided a broad definition of "discrimination". The court also noted that ragging had been left out of the regulations' scope, despite being a widespread form of harassment in educational institutions. The language of the regulations, the court observed, appeared "prima facie vague" and "capable of misuse".
The 2026 regulations had triggered protests in various parts of the country, with student groups and organisations demanding their immediate rollback. Critics argued that certain provisions could be misused to target faculty and administrators, while supporters maintained that stronger safeguards were needed to address caste-based discrimination in higher education.
With the Centre now stating that the regulations are under reconsideration, the government is expected to re-examine the contentious provisions in consultation with stakeholders. The UGC's counter affidavit, once filed, will outline the government's position on the specific issues flagged by the court.
The case remains listed for further hearing after the filing of affidavits and rejoinders. Until then, the 2012 regulations will continue to govern equity-related matters in higher education institutions across the country.
