Centre Revisits 2026 UGC Caste‑Discrimination Rules
· India · Indian Express, The Hindu
The Supreme Court has informed the Centre that the 2026 University Grants Commission equity regulations aimed at preventing caste‑based discrimination on campuses are under reconsideration. On January 29 the apex court stayed the regulations, arguing the framework was "prima facie vague" and could have sweeping consequences that divide society. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, has asked the UGC to file a comprehensive counter‑affidavit within four weeks, after which petitioners may file rejoinders in two weeks. While the 2026 regulations sparked protests from student groups demanding a rollback, the 2012 regulations will remain in force until further orders. The court questioned the need for a separate definition of caste‑based discrimination and noted that ragging was excluded from the regulations’ scope.
Why it matters
The outcome will dictate whether universities must adopt stricter anti‑caste provisions, shaping admission policies and campus conduct for students and staff across India.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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