UGC’s Equity Guidelines: The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it is constituting a special committee to review the UGC’s 2026 guidelines aimed at promoting equity in higher education institutions. The Court had previously stayed the implementation of these guidelines.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing before a bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, stated that the government is exploring ways to address the concerns raised by students. Furthermore, the government aims to ensure that no group feels marginalised, insecure, or apprehensive under this framework.
The Chief Justice of India emphasised that the interests of all students must be protected throughout this process, stressing that the concerns and well-being of the new generation must be given paramount importance.
The court directed that the 2012 UGC equity guidelines would remain in effect until the matter is further deliberated
Earlier, the Court had stayed the 2026 guidelines, expressing concern that their provisions were vague and could potentially be misused. The Court directed that the 2012 UGC equity guidelines would remain in effect until the matter is further deliberated.
The Court clarified that the 2012 UGC guidelines will continue to apply until it completes its examination of the validity of the 2026 guidelines.
Taking note of the arguments presented by the petitioners, the bench indicated that it might direct the UGC to form a committee. This committee would comprise educationists and prominent legal experts with a deep understanding of the functioning of educational institutions. The committee’s composition would also be subject to the Court’s approval.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked, “Schools and colleges cannot exist in isolation or in a vacuum; they are an integral part of society.” The court questioned, “If we create such conditions inside the campus, how will people behave outside the campus?”
Under these regulations, introduced to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, institutions are required to establish dedicated committees and helplines. The objective is to address the grievances of students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2026, had triggered large-scale protests in the national capital.
