-1769672808040.webp)
- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
UGC New Regulations 2026: Amid an uproar around the country, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday (January 29, 2026) kept in abeyance the implementation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, alleged to be discriminatory on the ground that it extends the benefit of reservation only to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and members of the Other Backward Communities (OBC) while denying the same protection to general or upper castes.
The Apex Court expressed certain reservations about the Regulations, which are being challenged as discriminatory towards "general classes".
Also Read: UGC Equity Rules 2026 Trigger Massive Outrage Across Country; Proposals And Objections Explained
The Court suggested that the Regulations must be revisited by a committee comprising eminent jurists. The Regulations are prima facie "vague" and are "capable of misuse", the Court observed during the hearing.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing three writ petitions challenging the constitutionality of the 2026 regulations. These petitions were filed by Mrityunjay Tiwari, advocate Vineet Jindal, and Rahul Diwan.
Society Needs To Grow Together': Remarks Chief Justice Of India
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the Regulations were “too sweeping” and needed a closer look. The court said, for the time being, the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2012 would continue to be in force.
The court issued notices to the central government and the University Grants Commission (UGC) on the petitions, directing them to file their responses by March 19. Until then, the 2026 regulations will remain in effect.
Suggesting a reconsideration of the regulations, the Chief Justice of India told Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta:
"Mr. SG, we would like to hear your response. We don't want to pass any order today. There should be a committee comprising eminent legal experts. There should be 2-3 people who understand social values and the problems that society is facing. They should consider how the entire society will progress, and how people outside the campus will behave if we implement such regulations."
Also Read: UGC 2026 Row: Savarna Samaj Protests New Rules At Modinagar Tehsil, Submits Memorandum To President
What Is UGC Regulations 2026?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions Regulations, 2026, on January 13, to eliminate caste-based discrimination in college and university campuses. However, immediately after their implementation, these regulations faced strong opposition, particularly from students belonging to the general category, who protested against the new framework.
Under the 2026 regulations, every higher educational institution is mandated to establish an Equal Opportunity Centre. These centers will include representatives from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and women, to promote inclusivity and equality on campus.
Why UGC Regulations 2026 Controversial?
Since their notification, these regulations have sparked intense debate in public and political forums. Critics, including several leaders and activists, have termed the rules "anti-general category students," alleging that they could be misused to target upper-caste students and potentially fuel conflict within academic institutions.
The three main pillars of the controversy:
Definition of "Rule 3(c)": By defining caste-based discrimination solely as acts committed against members of the Scheduled Castes (SC), the Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the Other Backward Classes (OBC), critics argue that the UGC has stripped individuals from the "general category" of their right to claim discrimination.
Removal of safeguards: Earlier drafts included penalties for "false or malicious" complaints. These were removed in the final 2026 version, raising fears of selective targeting and "guilt by association" against the accused.
Administrative interference: Although intended to prevent discrimination, the provision excluding general category representation from the equity committees has been termed "socially divisive" and "unbalanced" by several student unions and legal experts.
Also Read: What Is UGC Equity Rule 2026? Why General Category Population Is Opposing It- Know In Details
UGC Regulations 2026: Background
In brief, the UGC framed the new regulations in 2019 following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court by Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, mothers of Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi, respectively, seeking a mechanism to eliminate caste-based discrimination on campuses. Both Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi had allegedly committed suicide due to facing caste discrimination at their universities.
In early 2025, the Supreme Court (SC) directed the central government to consider creating a "very robust and concrete mechanism" to "effectively" address the unfortunate issues. It also allowed the petitioners and other stakeholders to submit suggestions for inclusion in the UGC's draft regulations. After considering the suggestions from stakeholders, the UGC finally notified the regulations in January of this year, superseding its earlier 2012 regulations.
These regulations, aimed at promoting "equality" in higher education institutions, are being opposed by certain sections. While members of the unreserved categories are demanding the withdrawal of the regulations, the reserved categories are opposing any such withdrawal. Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court arguing that these regulations promote discrimination against "general categories." A petition by advocate Vineet Jindal specifically challenges Regulation 3(1)(c), which defines "caste-based discrimination," arguing that this provision should be "caste-neutral."