UGC equity rules 'unbalanced', says RSS, as Supreme Court stay keeps 2012 framework in force
By TUF News Desk · Published 2 November 2026 · 4 min read
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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has called the University Grants Commission’s Equity Regulations, 2026, “unbalanced” and asked the Centre to keep any future decision on the rules fair. RSS publicity chief Sunil Ambekar said on November 1 that the organisation had already put its concerns before the authorities, and that the government and the UGC had taken note.
Ambekar noted that the Supreme Court has put the regulations on hold and the matter is before the court. He said the debate over a single circular should not damage social unity, and that whatever is decided next should be balanced.
What the 2026 regulations require
The UGC notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, on January 13, replacing the 2012 framework. Every university and college had to set up an Equal Opportunity Centre, backed by an Equity Committee headed by the institution’s head, to oversee policies for disadvantaged groups and handle complaints. Non-compliance could cost an institution its UGC recognition, funding and access to schemes, and could bar it from offering degree programmes.
The rules followed a petition filed in the Supreme Court in 2019 by Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, both of whom died by suicide after facing caste-based discrimination at their universities. In early 2025, the court asked the Union government for a strong mechanism to deal with such incidents, and let petitioners and other stakeholders send suggestions while the UGC drafted the rules.
Why the definition became the flashpoint
The sharpest objection was to Regulation 3(c), which defines caste-based discrimination as unfair treatment of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Class members. Petitioners, including advocate Vineet Jindal and Rahul Dewan, argued that it leaves out general category students and faculty who may also face caste hostility, and that it breaches the right to equality under Articles 14 and 15(1).
Supporters welcomed the rules as a safeguard for marginalised communities. Protests followed on campuses in north India, including University of Delhi’s North Campus, where students submitted a memorandum seeking withdrawal.
What the court did
On January 29, 2026, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi kept the 2026 regulations in abeyance, calling them prima facie vague and capable of misuse. The 2012 regulations would continue until further orders, the bench directed, and notice was issued to the Centre and the UGC. It also suggested a committee of jurists and scholars to revisit the rules so that any revised version is inclusive and constitutionally sound.
What applies on campuses now
Until the court decides otherwise or the government notifies a revised framework, the 2012 regulations govern how institutions handle discrimination complaints and equal opportunity measures. A student’s grievance route at their institution continues under that framework, and any change will come through a court order or a new UGC notification. Check the official UGC website for the latest notices.
Students weighing a college can check how it handles grievances and student support alongside academics and fees. Our guide to choosing a university in India lists the practical checks worth making before committing to a programme.
Frequently asked questions
What are the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026?
Rules notified on January 13, 2026, requiring every university and college to set up an Equal Opportunity Centre and an Equity Committee for discrimination complaints. The Supreme Court has kept them in abeyance, so they are not in force.
Why did the Supreme Court stay the 2026 regulations?
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi called the regulations prima facie vague and capable of misuse. The court ordered the 2012 regulations to continue until further orders.
Which rules apply on campuses now?
The 2012 UGC regulations, which institutions must keep following for discrimination complaints and equal opportunity measures until the court decides otherwise or a revised framework is notified.
What has the RSS said about the regulations?
RSS publicity chief Sunil Ambekar described the provisions as “unbalanced” on November 1, 2026, said the organisation had raised its concerns with the authorities, and asked that any future decision be fair and preserve social unity.
Frequently asked questions
What are the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026?
Rules notified on January 13, 2026, requiring every university and college to set up an Equal Opportunity Centre and an Equity Committee for discrimination complaints. The Supreme Court has kept them in abeyance, so they are not in force.
Why did the Supreme Court stay the 2026 regulations?
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi called the regulations prima facie vague and capable of misuse. The court ordered the 2012 regulations to continue until further orders.
Which rules apply on campuses now?
The 2012 UGC regulations, which institutions must keep following for discrimination complaints and equal opportunity measures until the court decides otherwise or a revised framework is notified.
What has the RSS said about the regulations?
RSS publicity chief Sunil Ambekar described the provisions as 'unbalanced' on November 1, 2026, said the organisation had raised its concerns with the authorities, and asked that any future decision be fair and preserve social unity.
Sources: NDTV, LawStreet Journal, Zee News