'VAGUE': SC STAYS UGC'S EQUITY RULES

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the operation of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, expressing serious reservations over their language, scope and potential social impact.

- FPJ News Service

It said the regulations were prima facie "vague" and "capable of misuse", warning that they could have "dangerous consequences" by further dividing society.

A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing three writ petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2026 Regulations.

Issuing notice to the Union government and the University Grants Commission.

(UGC), the Court directed that the matter be listed next on March 19. Until then, the Regulations will remain in abeyance, Live Law and Bar & Bench report.

Invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the bench also ordered that the earlier UGC Regulations of 2012 would continue to operate during the pendency of the case. This was done to ensure that students are not left without a grievance redressal mechanism in the interim.