The Central Government is considering constituting a committee to review the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Equity Regulations 2026 following concerns raised over their provisions before the Supreme Court. The development came during a hearing on Thursday, November 5, when the Centre informed the court that it was examining the possibility of setting up a committee to revisit the regulations.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, made the submission before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. He told the court that the government wanted to address the concerns of students and ensure that no section of the student community felt apprehensive or dissatisfied with the regulatory framework.
Mehta said the government was considering the interests of the younger generation and that every student should receive due consideration. He also informed the bench that the Centre was contemplating the appointment of a committee to examine the regulations.
The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the UGC’s 2026 regulations, which were introduced to promote equity and address caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities. The latest development indicates that the government is considering another review of the framework in response to the concerns surrounding its provisions.
Background of the UGC Equity Regulations 2026
The University Grants Commission notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, on January 13, 2026. The regulations were intended to establish mechanisms within higher educational institutions to prevent discrimination and promote equal treatment among students.
The framework included provisions for institutional mechanisms such as Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees and Equity Squads. It also proposed measures such as an equity helpline and designated equity ambassadors to help students raise complaints and seek assistance.
However, certain provisions of the regulations faced objections. Some petitioners argued that the definition of caste-based discrimination was restrictive and did not provide adequate protection to students belonging to all communities. Questions were also raised about the possibility of misuse and whether the provisions could create unequal treatment within educational institutions.
The regulations subsequently became the subject of legal challenges before the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Had Put the Regulations on Hold
On January 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ordered that the UGC Equity Regulations 2026 be kept in abeyance while the challenges to their validity were examined. The bench had raised concerns about the language and scope of certain provisions, observing that they appeared prima facie vague and could have far-reaching consequences.
The court also questioned the need for a separate definition of caste-based discrimination when the regulations contained a broader definition of discrimination. It raised questions about the exclusion of ragging from the framework, considering the issue of harassment within educational institutions.
The Supreme Court directed that the UGC Regulations of 2012 would continue to remain in force until further orders. This meant that the 2026 framework could not be implemented while the court's interim direction remained effective.
Government's Possible Review and Next Steps
The Centre's latest submission suggests that it is considering a committee-based review of the regulations. Such a committee could examine the concerns raised by different groups and assess whether changes are required to the existing provisions.
However, the government has not yet announced the final composition, terms of reference or timeline for the proposed committee. The appointment is still under consideration, and further details are awaited.
The issue involves the need to address caste-based discrimination and harassment in higher educational institutions while ensuring that the regulatory framework provides fair and clear safeguards for every student. The concerns raised by petitioners and the questions posed by the Supreme Court remain central to the ongoing proceedings.
The next steps will depend on the Centre's decision regarding the proposed committee and the proceedings before the Supreme Court. Until further directions are issued, the 2012 UGC regulations will continue to operate, as ordered by the apex court.
The matter remains significant for universities, colleges, students and educational administrators across the country, as any revised framework could influence how complaints of discrimination are addressed and how equal opportunity mechanisms function on campuses.
The Times of India+2
