The apex court’s order halts the rollout of the contentious equity norms - which were designed to combat discrimination on campuses - and directs that the previous 2012 regulations will remain in force while the 2026 framework undergoes further examination.
“Too Sweeping” and Ambiguous: SC’s Concerns
During the hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed serious reservations about the new regulations, observing that their language was vague and “capable of misuse” if left unchecked. The bench suggested that poorly defined provisions could have unintended consequences, potentially deepening divisions rather than ensuring justice and fairness within academic institutions.“What we are cautious about is not just constitutional validity, but the real-world impact,” the bench noted, underscoring that the disputed rules could trigger “very dangerous impacts” if implemented quickly without clarity.
Under challenge was a clause that narrowly defines caste-based discrimination in ways that, critics argue, exclude certain groups from protections and create the risk of arbitrary application — an issue that has animated petitions before the court and propelled legal scrutiny.
What the UGC's 2026 Equity Regulations Proposed
The UGC’s 2026 equity regulations were intended to strengthen anti-discrimination efforts across India’s universities and colleges by:- Mandating dedicated Equal Opportunity Centres and campus equity committees;
- Setting up mechanisms for reporting and resolving discrimination complaints;
- Encouraging institutional reporting and compliance oversight.
Protests Erupt Across Campuses Over New UGC Rules
Long before the court’s decision, the regulations sparked widespread protests nationwide.Large protests erupted in cities like New Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, and beyond, where student groups, community organizations, and legal associations voiced opposition. Some demonstrators said the rules might lead to reverse discrimination or empower campus grievance processes without adequate safeguards.
Scenes outside university campuses and UGC headquarters included marches, strike calls, and demands for the immediate rollback of the new regulations.
Critics typically focused on perceived ambiguity in key definitions and the absence of explicit protections for all student groups, including general category students who felt the language of the rules did not adequately address their rights.
Government Stance and Legal Path Ahead
Government officials have maintained that the equity framework was conceived to foster inclusion and adhere to constitutional values, assuring stakeholders that misuse would not be tolerated and that further clarifications would be issued.However, with the Supreme Court’s stay now in place, full implementation has been paused. The matter has been listed for a fresh hearing in March 2026, giving all parties - from the UGC and the Centre to petitioners and educational institutions — additional time to refine arguments, address objections, and potentially propose amendments.
In the interim, the 2012 guidelines governing anti-discrimination procedures will continue to regulate higher education institutions, ensuring legal continuity for students, faculty, and administrators alike.
Further reading - UGC's New Equity Rules Draw Backlash Over General Category Exclusion