A PIL has been filed against UGC’s new equity regulations: What is the controversy all about?

Supreme Court challenge, campus protests and concerns over representation put UGC’s 2026 equity rules under spotlight.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in Supreme Court challenging University Grants Commission’s (UGC) newly notified equity regulations, even as protests and objections continue across higher education institutions.

These regulations, notified earlier this month as UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 seek to strengthen mechanisms to prevent discrimination in universities and colleges. However, student bodies, teachers’ groups and legal experts have raised concerns over their structure, scope and legality.

What is UGC equity regulations

The 2026 regulations replace anti discrimination guidelines issued in 2012 and make compliance mandatory for all higher education institutions, including central, state and private universities.

Institutions are required to set up Equal Opportunity Centres, constitute Equity Committees, appoint equity officers and establish grievance redressal systems that operate round the clock. New rules also provide for Equity Squads to look into complaints related to discrimination on campus.

UGC has said these regulations are intended to address continuing complaints of caste-based and social discrimination and to ensure that grievances are handled through formal institutional mechanisms.

Why regulations are being opposed

Opposition to the rules has focused on concerns related to representation, due process and possibility of misuse.

Student groups have pointed out that composition of Equity Committees does not provide for representation from general category students. They have argued that this could affect neutrality in handling of complaints.

Another issue raised is the absence of provisions dealing with false or malicious complaints. Critics say earlier drafts had safeguards in this regard, which do not appear in final notification.

There are also objections to way discrimination has been defined under regulations. Teachers and students have said wording is broad and could allow discretionary action that may affect classroom discussions, academic assessment and everyday campus interactions.

What PIL challenges

PIL challenges specific clauses of regulations, including Clause 3(C), arguing that they are arbitrary and violate right to equality under Article 14 of Constitution.

Petitioners have also contended that UGC has exceeded its powers under the UGC Act, 1956 and that the regulations dilute principles of natural justice. The plea seeks judicial review of the rules and a stay on the implementation of the contested provisions.

Protests and responses

Protests against the regulations have been reported from several campuses, with students demanding withdrawal or amendment of rules. Representations have also been submitted to the Ministry of Education.

UGC has defended these regulations, stating that existing frameworks have not been effective in addressing discrimination in higher education institutions. The Commission has said it is examining feedback received from stakeholders.