Supreme Court To Urgently Hear Plea Against UGC Equity Regulations

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to urgently list a plea challenging the University Grants Commission’s (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.

The petition raises concerns that the new framework could discriminate against individuals belonging to the general category by restricting their access to grievance redressal mechanisms in higher education institutions.

During the urgent listing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant assured the petitioner’s counsel that the court would take up the matter once they corrected the defects in the petition.

The counsel highlighted that the regulations, while aimed at promoting equity, could inadvertently deny non-reserved category individuals the right to seek remedies for caste-based discrimination, thereby creating an imbalance in higher education.

CJI Kant noted, “We know what’s happening. Make sure defects are cured. We will list it.”

The petition contends that the regulations institutionalise discrimination by limiting caste-based protections solely to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

It argues that the regulations block general or upper-caste individuals from accessing grievance mechanisms, regardless of the severity or context of discrimination.

The plea urges the court to direct Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Helplines, inquiry mechanisms, and Ombudsperson proceedings to operate in a non-discriminatory, caste-neutral manner until it reviews or amends Regulation 3(c).

The plea argues that denying grievance access based on caste violates Articles 14, 15(1), and 21, which guarantee equality and rights.

The court’s urgent attention underscores concerns over fairness and inclusion in higher education, with experts noting the case could set a key precedent for balancing equity and constitutional rights.

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