The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to urgently list a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new equity regulations aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. The plea was mentioned before a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, with the petitioner contending that the regulations discriminate against students belonging to the General category.
Assuring an early hearing, the bench said the petition would be listed once all procedural defects were cured. The matter was mentioned by petitioners Rahul Diwan and Parth Yadav, who sought urgent listing. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed, “The Court is aware of what is happening,” while directing the petitioners to complete the formalities for listing.
Appearing for the petitioners, counsel submitted that the rules are discriminatory against the General category and violate their fundamental rights. Earlier, similar petitions were filed by Mrityunjay Tiwari, Supreme Court advocate Vineet Jindal, and others.
The petitions challenge the UGC rules implemented on January 13, 2026, which aim to eradicate caste-based discrimination on campuses and ensure a safe academic environment for students from marginalised communities. However, the rules have triggered debate within student politics as well as academic circles. The petitioners argue that under Rule 3(c), the definition of caste-based discrimination is limited to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. As a result, individuals from the General category are allegedly denied the right to lodge formal complaints if they face caste-based discrimination.
The petition contends that the rules violate constitutional provisions on equality and fundamental rights, and urges the court to declare them unconstitutional. It further seeks directions to ensure that grievance redressal mechanisms in higher educational institutions are caste-neutral and that no individual is denied the right to complain about discrimination.
Under the UGC’s new Equity Rules, all universities, colleges and higher educational institutions are required to establish a 24×7 helpline and set up an Equal Opportunity Centre. Institutions must also constitute Equity Committees and Equity Squads. The UGC has warned that noncompliance could invite strict action, including withdrawal of recognition or suspension of funding.
