Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 28: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to list a plea challenging the recently notified University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation on caste-based discrimination, after concerns were raised over its exclusionary definition.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of submissions seeking an urgent hearing of the matter. A lawyer representing the petitioners highlighted the potential for discrimination against the general category, citing the case “Rahul Dewan and Ors vs Union.”

“There is a possibility of discrimination against the general class,” the lawyer said. The Chief Justice responded, “We know what is happening. Make sure defects are cured. We will list it.”

The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, notified on January 13, mandate that all higher education institutions form equity committees to address discrimination complaints and promote equity. These committees must include members of Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), persons with disabilities, and women.

The new regulations replace the largely advisory UGC 2012 Equity Guidelines, but the plea contends that by strictly defining caste-based discrimination as affecting only SCs, STs, and OBCs, the UGC has denied protection and grievance redressal to general category students who may also face harassment based on caste identity.

The regulations have sparked protests across several states, with student groups and organisations demanding their immediate rollback.