India to Review 2026 University Equity Regulations

The Government of India is establishing a special expert committee to review the University Grants Commission's (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court of India that the government is examining measures to ensure all students are protected and that no one is left dissatisfied.

Notified on January 13, 2026, the regulations aimed to prevent caste-based discrimination but were stayed by the court on January 29. Critics and petitioners argued the rules were vague and capable of misuse, specifically citing Regulation 3(c) for failing to provide equal protection to general category students. The legal challenge stems from 2019 petitions filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi following suicides linked to campus discrimination.

Chief Justice Surya Kant cautioned that the regulations could fuel societal divisions and lead to a regressive society, specifically opposing potential caste-based segregation in university hostels. The review comes amid concerns from upper-caste groups regarding harassment and shifting socio-economic conditions, coinciding with upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Supreme Court has adjourned the petitions for four weeks to allow the government to revisit the framework, which had been replaced by the interim restoration of 2012 rules.