Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: In an interim order passed on January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. Issuing notice to the Centre and the UGC, a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed that the 2026 Regulations shall remain in abeyance and ordered that the 2012 UGC Regulations will continue to operate until further orders.
The CJI Kant-led Bench was hearing a clutch of petitions contending that the new regulations could result in discrimination against individuals in the general category and expressed concern over the denial of effective grievance redressal mechanisms for them.
While staying the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, the Supreme Court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure “complete justice”, directing that the 2012 Regulations will continue in force until further orders. The apex court listed the matter for further hearing on March 19.
During the hearing, the CJI Kant-led Bench expressed concern over the possible consequences of the new regulations, remarking: “If we don’t intervene, it will have a dangerous impact. It will divide society and have grave repercussions.”
Earlier, CJI Kant agreed to list the matter for hearing after it was mentioned for urgent listing. He had assured the petitioner’s counsel that the case would be heard after the defects in the petition are cured. “We know what’s happening. Make sure defects are cured. We will list it,” the CJI had said.