UGC equity regulations 2026 under reconsideration: Centre to SC

The Supreme Court has asked the University Grants Commission (UGC) to submit a detailed response within four weeks regarding the 2026 equity regulations under reconsideration. The regulations, which aim to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions, were previously stayed by the court on January 29 due to concerns over their vague language and potential to cause societal division.

The court had also questioned why ragging, a prevalent form of harassment in educational institutions, was excluded from the regulations' scope. In response, the UGC has been ordered to file its counter-affidavit, and any petitioners can file a rejoinder within two weeks. The court's bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, will continue to hear petitions challenging the validity of the 2026 regulations until further notice.