Centre tells SC UGC equity rules under reconsideration

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that the 2026 University Grants Commission regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses are under reconsideration. Solicitor-general Tushar Mehta informed a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant that the matter is being reviewed, prompting the court to order the UGC to file a counter affidavit within four weeks.

The development comes amid sustained opposition from upper-caste groups and BJP functionaries, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, which is headed for Assembly elections in 2027. Critics have argued the rules could expose general category students to harassment through false complaints and create caste-based divisions. The Supreme Court had earlier kept the regulations in abeyance, calling them 'prima facie vague' and potentially having 'dangerous impact'.

Several BJP office-bearers in Uttar Pradesh resigned in protest against the rules, including Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri. The Samajwadi Party has backed the regulations while saying no section should face injustice. The court asked petitioners to file rejoinders within two weeks after the UGC's counter affidavit.