The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court of India that it is reconsidering the UGC Equity Regulations 2026 following concerns raised over several provisions of the draft regulations.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the government is reviewing the regulations. A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has granted the Centre and the University Grants Commission (UGC) four weeks to reconsider the draft and submit a comprehensive counter-affidavit.
UGC Equity Regulations 2026: Latest Update
The UGC Equity Regulations 2026 have faced legal challenges and protests over provisions related to discrimination and student grievance mechanisms in higher education institutions.
The Supreme Court had earlier kept the 2026 regulations in abeyance and directed that the UGC Equity Regulations 2012 continue to operate during the review period.
This means existing grievance redressal mechanisms for students, including those for SC, ST, and OBC communities, will remain operational while the court considers the matter.
Supreme Court on UGC Equity Regulations 2026
The Supreme Court raised concerns about certain provisions of the UGC Equity Regulations 2026, describing parts of the draft as prima facie vague.
The court also questioned whether some provisions could create divisions among students rather than provide a comprehensive framework against discrimination in higher education institutions.
Key issues raised during the proceedings include:
- Definition of caste-based discrimination: The court questioned the need for a separate and narrow definition when the draft already contains a broader definition of discrimination.
- Protection for general-category students: Petitioners raised concerns regarding provisions that may exclude general-category students from certain protections.
- False or malicious complaints: Concerns were raised about the absence of adequate safeguards against fraudulent or malicious complaints.
- Ragging: The Supreme Court questioned the omission of ragging from the proposed equity framework despite its connection with student harassment and campus safety.
The Centre is reconsidering the regulations following concerns raised during Supreme Court proceedings.
The Supreme Court has adjourned the matter for four weeks while the Centre reviews the regulations.
No. The Supreme Court had earlier kept the 2026 regulations in abeyance, with the 2012 regulations continuing until further orders.
