The Supreme Court, while hearing petitions filed against the new UGC regulations, has stayed their implementation. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Suryakant, delivered this decision during the hearing on January 29, 2026, and issued a notice to the government seeking a response.
Supreme Court has stayed the new rules
The Supreme Court has stayed the new UGC (University Grants Commission) regulations. The Supreme Court has ordered that the 2012 regulations will remain in effect for now. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the central government and the UGC, seeking their responses by March 19, 2026. This means the next hearing will be held on March 19.
Chief Justice Surya Kant, while staying the regulations, questioned whether we are moving towards a caste-less society or regressing. He stated that students live together in hostels, and the new rules would lead to separate hostels, which should not happen. Meanwhile, Justice Bagchi also remarked that efforts should be made to promote unity in society and the country.
Chief Justice Surya Kant said, We will seek a response from the government. Some people might benefit from this situation. An expert committee could also be constituted.
This new rule will create discrimination in society
The petitioners' lawyer stated during the hearing, "The Constitution guarantees protection to all. All citizens should receive protection. But the new rule is confusing and creates discrimination in society. It only mentions OBCs, SCs, and STs." The petitioners' lawyer further argued that since Rule 3(e) already defines discrimination, what is the need for Rule 3(c)? This rule is divisive and creates inequality in society. The lawyer added, I could give examples of discrimination against other groups besides these categories, but I am not doing so.
To this, Chief Justice Surya Kant replied, "That is not necessary. We are only examining whether the new rules are in accordance with Article 14 (Right to Equality).
There is no need for separate provisions for certain castes
The lawyer told Chief Justice Surya Kant, I am seeking a stay on Section 3(c). It is being assumed here that discrimination can only occur against certain specific sections of society." Chief Justice Surya Kant asked, "Suppose a South Indian student comes to a college in North India. If he faces derogatory remarks there, would that fall under Section 3(e)?" The lawyer replied, "Yes. That is our point; there was no need to create separate sections for specific castes.
What are the new UGC rules?
- An Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) will be established in every college.
- The EOC will provide assistance to underprivileged and marginalized students regarding studies, fees, and issues related to discrimination.
- An Equality Committee must be formed in every college, chaired by the head of the college.
- The committee will include members from SC, ST, OBC, women, and persons with disabilities. This committee will have a tenure of two years.
- An Equality Squad will also be formed in the college to monitor discrimination.
- A meeting must be held within 24 hours of receiving a complaint of discrimination.
- A report must be submitted to the college head within 15 days.
- The college head must initiate further action within 7 days.
- The EOC will submit a report to the college every six months.
- The college must send an annual report on caste-based discrimination to the UGC.
- The UGC will constitute a National Monitoring Committee.
- The college's grant may be withheld for
- violating the rules.
- The college's degree, online, and distance learning courses may be suspended.
- In serious cases, the UGC's accreditation may also be revoked.
