New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI) — The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the recently notified University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses, observing that the provisions are prima facie “vague” and “capable of misuse”.
The apex court orally noted that if it does not intervene, the regulations could have a dangerous impact and further divide society. The stay came while hearing multiple pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026.
Issuing notice to the Centre and the UGC, a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the regulations should remain in abeyance for now, while the earlier 2012 regulations will continue to operate. “Issue notice, returnable on March 19. Solicitor General accepts notice. Meanwhile, UGC Regulations 2026 shall remain in abeyance and 2012 regulations shall continue,” the bench said.
During the hearing, the court observed that the language of the regulations appeared unclear and required careful scrutiny. “Prima facie, we say that the language of the regulation is vague. Experts need to look into it so that the language is modulated and not exploited,” the bench said, suggesting that a committee of eminent jurists revisit the rules.
The UGC had notified the new regulations on January 13, mandating all higher education institutions to set up “equity committees” to address complaints of discrimination and promote equity on campuses. These committees were required to include members from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), persons with disabilities and women.
The 2026 regulations replaced the UGC’s 2012 equity rules, which were largely advisory in nature. The new framework, however, sparked protests across the country, with student groups and organisations demanding its immediate withdrawal.
The petitioners argued that the UGC adopted a “non-inclusionary” definition of caste-based discrimination by limiting it only to SC, ST and OBC categories. They contended that this effectively excludes individuals from the general or non-reserved categories who may also face harassment or bias based on caste identity, thereby denying them institutional protection and grievance redressal.
The pleas were filed by Mritunjay Tiwari, advocate Vineet Jindal and Rahul Dewan. PTI
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