Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations 2026, Directs Institutions to Follow 2012 Norms

The Supreme Court has stayed the operation of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2026, introduced to promote equity in higher education institutions, citing concerns about their potential misuse.

Invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court directed all higher education institutions to continue following the UGC Regulations, 2012, until further orders. Issuing notice to the Centre and the UGC, the Bench listed the matter for hearing on March 19.

The Court observed that the language of the new regulations could lead to misuse and questioned the need for introducing new classifications.

The stay comes amid nationwide protests and criticism over the regulations’ possible impact on the academic environment.