SRINAGAR: The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, be kept in abeyance, expressing prima facie concerns over their clarity and potential misuse.
The court observed that the regulations, which are under challenge for allegedly discriminating against the general category, appear vague and could be misused. It suggested that the framework be revisited by a committee of eminent jurists.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing three writ petitions questioning the constitutionality of the 2026 Regulations. The Bench issued notice to the Union Government and the University Grants Commission, returnable on March 19.
Until further orders, the Court directed that the 2012 UGC Regulations will continue to operate in place of the 2026 framework.
The petitions contend that the new regulations violate constitutional guarantees of equality and fairness in higher education institutions. The matter will be taken up next on the scheduled return date.
