The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday directed that the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, be kept in abeyance, pending further examination. The Court raised concerns over the new Regulations, which are currently being challenged as discriminatory against students from the general category.
The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noted that the 2026 Regulations appear “prima facie vague” and could potentially be open to misuse. Highlighting these concerns, the Court suggested that the provisions of the Regulations be revisited by a committee of eminent jurists to ensure fairness and clarity.
The hearing arose from three writ petitions that question the constitutionality of the 2026 UGC Regulations. During the proceedings, the Supreme Court issued notices to both the Union of India and the University Grants Commission (UGC), with responses expected by March 19, 2026.
Until the next hearing, the Court has ordered that the 2026 Regulations remain suspended. In the interim, the older 2012 UGC Regulations will continue to govern matters of equity and promotion in higher education institutions across the country.
This development underscores the Court’s cautious approach toward regulatory changes in the higher education sector, particularly those with potential implications for equality and social justice.
