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SC halts 2026 UGC equity rules defining caste discrimination, citing potential societal division; earlier 2012 regulations to remain in effect temporarily.
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the operation of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2026 equity regulations related to the definition of caste discrimination and issued notices to the Union government and the UGC on pleas challenging the new rules.
While hearing the petitions, the bench emphasized the importance of a “free, equitable and inclusive atmosphere” in educational institutions. However, it noted that the 2026 regulations could potentially divide society. The court directed that the 2012 regulations on caste discrimination will continue to operate until further orders.
The petitions, filed by Mritunjay Tiwari, advocate Vineet Jindal, and Rahul Dewan, challenged the new framework that mandates all higher educational institutions to set up equity committees. These committees are tasked with addressing complaints of discrimination and promoting equity on campus.
The petitioners argued that the new regulations were unfair, lacked sufficient safeguards, and could be misused. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, had earlier agreed to urgently list the matter for hearing.