Supreme Court Halts UGC’s 2026 Equality Rules, Flags Risk of Social Division

The Supreme Court on Thursday put a temporary stay on the implementation of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2026 Equality Regulations, which redefine caste-based discrimination, and issued notices to the Central government and the UGC on petitions challenging the new framework.

While hearing the matter, the Court observed that it supports the idea of a “free, fair, and inclusive environment” in educational institutions. At the same time, it cautioned that the newly introduced rules could potentially deepen divisions within society. The bench directed that the earlier 2012 regulations would continue to remain in force until further orders.

According to the Supreme Court, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is scheduled to take up the matter for further hearing later today. The petitions opposing the new UGC rules have been filed by advocates Vineet Jindal, Mrityunjay Tiwari, and Rahul Diwan.

The UGC recently notified the “Regulations on Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions, 2026,” aimed at creating a structured mechanism for addressing grievances and providing support to disadvantaged groups in universities and colleges. However, the regulations have triggered strong reactions from students, faculty members, and social organizations, particularly over the definition of “caste-based discrimination” included in the rules.

During the proceedings, the Chief Justice suggested to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the government consider forming a committee of respected and eminent individuals to examine the issue, with the goal of ensuring social progress without discrimination.

Advocate Vishnu Jain argued that the definition under Clause 3(c) falls outside the scope of Article 14 of the Constitution, stating that discrimination has already been clearly defined in law and cannot be viewed as something that applies only against a single group.