NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it is considering constituting a committee to revisit the controversial University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, which were stayed by the court in January.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant that the government was examining the issue with the aim of addressing students' concerns and ensuring that no section of the student community feels dissatisfied or apprehensive.
Chief Justice Surya Kant stressed the need to protect the interests of every student and ensure that the younger generation is taken care of.
The development comes amid continuing legal scrutiny of the 2026 regulations, which were framed to promote equity and address discrimination in higher education institutions. The rules had triggered protests and petitions challenging their provisions, particularly the definition of caste-based discrimination.
The regulations were notified on January 13, 2026. On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed their implementation, observing that some provisions appeared prima facie vague and that the possibility of misuse could not be ruled out. The court also directed that the 2012 UGC equity regulations would remain in force until further orders.
One of the key points of contention is Regulation 3(1)(c), which defines caste-based discrimination as discrimination based on caste or tribe against members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Petitioners have argued that this wording excludes students from the general category from the specific protection under the provision.
The court had also questioned the need for a separate definition of caste-based discrimination when another provision, Regulation 3(1)(e), already provides a broader definition of discrimination. It raised concerns over the omission of ragging as a specific form of discrimination and the provisions relating to segregation in hostels, classrooms and mentorship groups.
The regulations followed a 2019 petition filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, who died by suicide after alleged caste-based discrimination in their respective institutions. The petition sought stronger mechanisms to address discrimination in higher education.
In August, the Centre had told the Supreme Court that it was reconsidering the regulations. The court subsequently asked the UGC to submit a comprehensive response to the petitions challenging the framework.
The latest submission indicates that the government is considering a committee-based review. However, the Centre has not yet announced the constitution of the committee or disclosed its proposed composition and terms of reference.
The 2026 regulations will remain stayed unless the Supreme Court modifies its earlier order.