Supreme Court Stays UGC Regulations 2026 on Caste-Based Discrimination in Higher Education, Citing Ambiguity and Risk of Social Division
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the implementation of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Regulations-2026, which were framed to eliminate caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions.
The court observed that “at first glance, the language of the new regulations appears vague, and if implemented in their present form, they could not only lead to dangerous consequences but also create divisions within society.”
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order while hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2026.
The petitions were filed by Rahul Diwan, Mrityunjay Tiwari, and Vineet Jindal.
Issuing notices to the Central Government and the UGC, the Bench directed them to file their responses by March 19, the next date of hearing.
The court remarked that if it does not intervene, the consequences could be dangerous and far-reaching, potentially dividing society and having serious implications.
According to the Bench, the wording of the regulations is prima facie unclear, and experts need to refine the language to prevent any misuse in the future.
UGC Regulations 2012 Reinstated:
Invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court reinstated the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012.
The Bench explained that this step was necessary because repealing the earlier regulations would leave students without any remedial mechanism.
The Solicitor General, representing the Centre, accepted the notice on behalf of the government.
CJI Suryakant emphasized that the country must move towards becoming a casteless society.
However, he also made it clear that there must be a strong and effective mechanism to protect those who genuinely suffer due to discrimination.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi added that educational institutions should reflect the spirit of India’s unity and inclusiveness.
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