Supreme Court Stays UGC’s New Rules

New Delhi, January 29, 2026: The Supreme Court has stayed the new UGC rules titled ‘Promoting Equality in Higher Education Institutions’ issued on January 23, 2026. The bench of CJI Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi described these rules as ambiguous and sought a response from the Centre. The court ordered the continuation of the 2012 old rules until March 19.CJI’s Key RemarksCJI stated that India’s unity should reflect in educational institutions, and we should not move backwards from progress towards a casteless society. He objected to arrangements like separate hostels for SC/ST students, noting that reserved communities also have affluent individuals. The court expressed concern over the vague definitions in the rules, which could lead to misuse.Controversy Over the RulesThe UGC rules provide for forming equity committees to prevent caste-religion based discrimination on campus, but opposition arose due to the exclusion of discrimination against the general category. Protests erupted nationwide, with petitions labeling them anti-upper caste. The court deemed them non-inclusive.