The Supreme Court of India today heard batch of petitions challenging new UGC regulations. During the hearing, the Centre told SC Bench that it is considering constituting a committee to revisit the controversial UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, which were stayed by the Court in January.
The submission followed a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi urging the Centre to reconsider the regulations and ensure that the framework safeguards the interests of all students without leaving any section feeling apprehensive or dissatisfied.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant-led bench that the government is examining the issue with a view to ensuring that students’ concerns are addressed and no section feels dissatisfied or apprehensive. “After our revised regulation, no student will have any apprehension,” SG Mehta reassured.
“Keep interest of all students in mind, especially young generation while revising the UGC guidelines,” CJI told Centre. Adjourning the matter, the bench said: “We have given them advice. Let us see what they do.”
The development comes against the backdrop of continuing legal scrutiny and public debate surrounding the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, notified on January 13 and stayed by the Supreme Court on January 29 following challenges to their provisions.
What Are the UGC Equity Regulations 2026?
Earlier this year, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced new rules to prevent discrimination in colleges and universities across India. These rules are applicable to all higher education institutions and cover students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. The rules were introduced that ensure that no one is denied dignity or opportunity in higher education because of their identity.
The new regulations replaced earlier UGC equity guidelines and places greater responsibility on institutions to ensure compliance. The rules give special focus to historically disadvantaged groups such as SCs, STs, OBCs/EBCs, EWS, and persons with disabilities, while formally keeping protections open to all stakeholders.
Bureau Report
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