UGC to relook controversial caste discrimination, ragging rules: Govt tells SC

The Centre is considering appointing a committee to revisit the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 2026 regulations aimed at preventing caste discrimination in higher education institutions, TOI reported, quoting a Bar and Bench report. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court on Thursday that the proposed committee would examine students' concerns and ensure that no section feels apprehensive or dissatisfied with the rules.

Mehta made the submission before a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, which was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the UGC regulations. He told the court that the government was considering the formation of a committee while keeping the interests of students and the younger generation in mind, Bar and Bench reported.

The development comes after the Supreme Court put the implementation of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, on hold on January 29, citing concerns over the wording and possible consequences of certain provisions.


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Centre considers committee to revisit UGC regulations

During Thursday's hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the government was contemplating appointing a committee to examine the regulations and address concerns surrounding them.

"The government has taken a decision that every student should be taken care of. Nobody should have any apprehension. Nobody should feel dissatisfied. We are also considering the interests of the younger generation. The government is contemplating appointing a committee," Mehta told the bench.

The proposed committee is expected to provide a forum to examine the concerns raised over the new regulatory framework. However, the Centre's submission was that it was considering constituting such a panel, not that a committee had already been formally appointed.

Why did the Supreme Court put the 2026 UGC rules on hold?

On January 29, the Supreme Court kept the UGC's 2026 regulations in abeyance while hearing petitions challenging the framework. The bench had described certain provisions as "prima facie vague" and expressed concern that they could have sweeping consequences, potentially dividing society.

The court had also sought responses from the Centre and the UGC on three petitions challenging the regulations.

Until further orders, the Supreme Court directed that the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2012, would remain in force. The direction was issued under Article 142 of the Constitution.

UGC equity regulations face opposition

The 2026 regulations were introduced to address caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. However, their provisions triggered opposition in several places, with student groups and other organisations demanding that the framework be withdrawn.

The petitions before the Supreme Court challenged the new rules, prompting judicial scrutiny of their wording and potential impact. The Centre's latest submission indicates that it is considering a committee to revisit the regulations amid the continuing legal challenge.