Story by Harshit Uttam I Updated : 30 January 2026
Responding to growing protests and criticism, the Supreme Court has put a hold on the UGC’s new equity regulations in higher education. For now, colleges and universities will continue to follow the 2012 guidelines until the court issues further directions.
A Supreme Court Bench has issued notices to the Centre and UGC, scheduling the next hearing for March 19. The interim order was passed by exercising powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
While reviewing the matter, the Supreme Court observed that the wording of the new UGC regulations is problematic. The judges cautioned that the language used is vague and could easily open the door to misuse, raising serious concerns about how the rules might be applied in practice.
Highlighting the court’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity, Justice Bagchi raised concerns about the introduction of new classifications. He asked pointedly: if the ‘three Es’ are already in place, what purpose does the idea of ‘2Cs’ serve?
On January 13, the UGC rolled out new regulations requiring every higher education institution to set up equity committees. These panels, comprising members from OBC, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe communities, have been entrusted with the responsibility of addressing discrimination complaints and fostering a more inclusive campus environment.
After the UGC’s January 13 notification, protests grew louder across the country. Critics argued that the 2026 regulations could be misused, risk widening caste-based divides, and harm the academic atmosphere. Responding to these concerns, the Supreme Court has put the rules on hold, with the stay to continue until the next hearing.
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