The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a plea challenging the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Equity Regulations, 2026, which some claim could lead to discrimination against individuals in the general category. The case was mentioned for urgent listing, and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant assured the petitioner’s counsel that the case would proceed after necessary corrections are made to the petition.
The counsel argued that the regulations deny effective grievance redressal mechanisms for those in the general category, raising concerns about potential bias. CJI Kant acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating, “We know what’s happening. Make sure defects are cured. We will list it.”
The plea alleges that the UGC’s framework institutionalizes discrimination by excluding non-Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) individuals from grievance redressal processes. It contends that these regulations violate principles of equality and fair access to higher education.
Specifically, the petition criticizes the definition of “caste-based discrimination,” which the regulations narrow to members of SC, ST, and OBC. This, the petition argues, unjustly grants legal recognition of victimhood to specific reserved categories while excluding general and upper castes, irrespective of the nature or severity of discrimination they might face.
Additionally, the petition calls for the establishment of Equal Opportunity Centres and Equity Helplines, among other mechanisms, to be accessible in a “non-discriminatory and caste-neutral manner.” This is urged until Regulation 3(c) is reconsidered or amended.
It emphasizes that denying access to grievance redressal based on caste identity constitutes state discrimination, infringing on Articles 14, 15(1), and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/national/plea-against-new-ugc-equity-norms-to-be-urgently-listed-by-sc-1605771
Category: National
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Publish Date: 2026-01-28 14:01:00
