UGC Regulations 2026: The central government informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it is considering setting up a committee to re-examine the 'University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2016'. The Court had stayed these regulations earlier this year.
What Did the Centre Tell the Court?
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Bagchi that the government is examining the issue to ensure students’ concerns are addressed and that no section feels dissatisfied or apprehensive. He added that the government has decided the interests of every student should be taken care of and that the interests of the younger generation are being considered.
“The government is contemplating appointing a committee,” the SG said.
The Chief Justice stressed the need to protect the interests of every student. The Court adjourned the batch of petitions for four weeks.
What is this case about?
This case relates to 'Abeda Salim Tadvi v. Union of India' and other connected matters. In 2019, the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, both of whom died by suicide after allegedly facing caste-based discrimination on their respective campuses, filed a petition. The petition sought stricter safeguards to prevent such discrimination in higher educational institutions. Following consultations, the University Grants Commission (UGC) notified a new set of regulations in January 2026, which replaced the 2012 framework.
Why was a stay imposed on these regulations?
In January 2026, the Supreme Court stayed the implementation of these new regulations. The Court observed that, prima facie, the provisions appeared vague and were susceptible to misuse. It directed that the 2012 regulations would remain in force in the interim.
The primary concerns centered on the definition of "caste-based discrimination" under Regulation 3(1)(c), which focused on unfair treatment faced by individuals from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Petitioners from the 'general category' argued that this framework was discriminatory and could foster bias against non-reserved category students. Conversely, the other side emphasized the necessity for specific protective measures.
Earlier, in August 2026, the Central Government informed the Court that these regulations were being reconsidered.