The central government has told the Supreme Court that it is considering setting up a committee to review the University Grants Commission's (UGC) Equity Regulations, 2026. During the hearing on November 5, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government wants to ensure that the rules protect the interests of every student. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The hearing has been postponed for four weeks.
What Are the New Rules?
The UGC notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, in January this year. The rules were introduced to prevent caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities and ensure equal opportunities for students. They replaced the earlier 2012 regulations. However, some provisions, particularly the definition of caste-based discrimination, triggered a controversy and led to legal challenges in the Supreme Court.
Why Did the Rules Face Opposition?
Under Regulation 3(1)(c), unfair treatment of members belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) was included within the definition of caste-based discrimination. Petitioners opposing the rules argued that the provisions did not offer adequate protection to students from the general category. They raised concerns that the definition could be one-sided and might create the possibility of discrimination against students outside the reserved categories. Supporters, however, maintained that stronger safeguards were necessary to address caste-based discrimination in educational institutions.
Supreme Court Had Put Rules on Hold
In January 2026, the Supreme Court had stayed the implementation of the new UGC regulations after hearing petitions challenging them. The court had expressed concerns over the wording of certain provisions and the possibility of their misuse. As an interim arrangement, it directed that the 2012 regulations would continue to remain in force. The central government had also informed the court in August that it was reconsidering the new rules. The latest statement about forming a review committee came during Thursday's hearing.
Petitions Linked to Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi
The matter is connected to petitions, including the case of Abeda Salim Tadvi versus the Union of India. In 2019, the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi had approached the court seeking stronger safeguards against caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions. Both students died by suicide, and their families alleged that they had faced caste-based discrimination on campus. The petitions sought an effective system to prevent discrimination and address complaints in universities and colleges.
Next Hearing After Four Weeks
During Thursday's proceedings, Tushar Mehta told the bench that the government was considering a committee to review the regulations. He said the aim was to create a framework that takes the concerns of all students into account and protects the future of young people. The Chief Justice also stressed the importance of safeguarding every student's interests. The Supreme Court has now scheduled the next hearing after four weeks. The government's position on the proposed committee and the review of the regulations is expected to be discussed then.
