Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations 2026

On 29th January 2026, the Supreme Court of India stayed the implementation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, following nationwide protests and legal challenges.

Key Points

Court Order and Interim Relief: The Bench directed that the 2026 regulations shall remain in abeyance and that the 2012 UGC Regulations will continue to operate until further orders.
Notice to Authorities: The Court issued notice to the Centre and the University Grants Commission seeking their response to the challenges raised against the new framework.
Grounds of Challenge: Petitioners alleged that the regulations are arbitrary, exclusionary and discriminatory, and violative of the Constitution and the UGC Act, 1956.
Use of Article 142: Invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court stayed the regulations to ensure “complete justice.”
Judicial Concerns: The Bench warned that non-intervention could have a dangerous societal impact, observing that the regulations could divide society and lead to grave repercussions.
Vagueness in Definition: The Court expressed concern over Regulation 3(c), which defines caste-based discrimination, noting that its vague language could lead to misuse and requires modification.
Exclusion of General Category: Petitioners argued that the regulations restrict protection against caste-based discrimination only to SC, ST and OBC communities, excluding students from the general category.
Denial of Grievance Redressal: It was contended that general category students are denied access to Equal Opportunity Centres, equity helplines, inquiry committees and ombudsperson mechanisms.