New Delhi: The Supreme Court (SC) has put an interim halt on the UGC Promotion of Equity Regulations, 2026, describing the new framework as vague, open to misuse and legally questionable. The apex court has directed that the UGC Regulations of 2012 will remain in force until further orders.
The ruling came while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the legality and constitutional validity of the newly notified regulations.
#WATCH | On Supreme Court staying UGC Regulations 2026, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, counsel of a petitioner, says, “Today, the Supreme Court heard our writ petition challenging the UGC Regulations which have been enacted recently. The Supreme Court has stayed the UGC… pic.twitter.com/1zk3vnZHiK
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026
Court Flags “Vague” Provisions
The bench observed that several clauses in the 2026 regulations lack clarity and could lead to arbitrary interpretation. The judges said such uncertainty makes the rules vulnerable to misuse, prompting the court to stay their implementation at the preliminary stage itself.
Notices to Centre and UGC
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, issued notices to the Union Government and the University Grants Commission, seeking detailed responses. The court also indicated that it may consider forming a special review committee if needed to re-examine the regulations.
“Are We Moving Towards a Caste-less Society?”
Making a strong constitutional observation, the Chief Justice said India must move towards a caste-less society and questioned whether current policies are taking the country forward or pushing it in the opposite direction.
He added that while genuine cases of discrimination must be addressed, laws must be precise, balanced and unambiguous.
Protests After Notification
The UGC Regulations 2026 were notified on January 23, 2026. Soon after, protests erupted across several states. Petitioners alleged that the regulations are arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of the Constitution and the UGC Act, 1956, claiming they may unfairly target general category students.
Supporters of the rules argue they were framed to strengthen safeguards against caste, gender and disability-based discrimination by mandating equity cells and grievance mechanisms in universities.
Old Rules to Continue
The Supreme Court made it clear that until the matter is finally decided, the 2012 UGC regulations will continue to govern higher education institutions across the country.
Next Hearing on March 19
The court has listed the matter for further hearing on March 19, when the Centre and the UGC are expected to place their stand before the bench.
Petitioners Welcome the Stay
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, appearing for the petitioners, said the court has formally stayed the new regulations and restored the 2012 framework until further orders.
With the interim freeze in place, the future of India’s higher education equity policy will now be decided in the courtroom.
