TNI Bureau: The Supreme Court stayed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new regulations aimed at promoting equity in higher education, directing institutions to continue following the UGC Regulations, 2012, until further orders.

A Bench issued notice to the Centre and the UGC and scheduled the matter for further hearing on March 19. The interim order was passed by invoking the court’s powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.

The court observed that the language of the new regulations could raise concerns about potential misuse. “The language of the regulations suggests that they could be misused,” the Bench noted.

Justice Bagchi said the court was mindful of the need to ensure a fair and inclusive academic environment but questioned the relevance of introducing new classifications. “When the three Es already exist, how does the concept of 2Cs become relevant?” he asked.

The UGC regulations, notified on January 13, made it mandatory for all higher education institutions to set up equity committees with members from OBC, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. These committees were tasked with addressing complaints of discrimination and promoting inclusion on campuses.

The rules triggered protests and criticism, particularly from the general category, with concerns that they could deepen caste divisions and affect the academic atmosphere. The Supreme Court’s stay will remain in force until the next hearing.