Supreme Court to Review UGC Regulations on Caste Discrimination

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition challenging the new regulations introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) aimed at addressing caste discrimination in educational institutions. The petition was presented by Rahul Dewan and others and was discussed with Chief Justice Surya Kant for urgent consideration. The UGC guidelines have come under scrutiny for excluding students from the ‘general category’ from utilizing the grievance redressal mechanism.

Notified on January 13, 2026, the UGC’s regulations focus on promoting equity in higher education across India. They aim to eliminate discrimination based on religion, race, gender, place of birth, caste, or disability, particularly for those belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and economically disadvantaged groups. The regulations mandate that educational institutions establish Equal Opportunity Centers and Equity Committees to facilitate the implementation of these policies and to address complaints of discrimination.

The petitioners argue that the current framework is exclusionary, as it limits rights to grievance redressal and institutional protections to individuals not categorized under Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes. They contend that this selective approach may foster discrimination against students from non-reserved categories, transforming the regulations into a divisive tool rather than one promoting equity. The petition seeks to halt the implementation of these regulations in their existing form and requests a declaration that denying grievance redressal based on caste identity constitutes unacceptable state discrimination.

Protests have erupted nationwide, with members of dominant castes claiming the regulations are biased and will be weaponized against them in academic settings. Various student organizations have called for an immediate rollback of the guidelines. In response to these concerns, the government has asserted that the new regulations are designed to combat caste bias and will not result in discrimination against any group.

The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the plea marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over caste discrimination in India’s educational system. As the case progresses, it may have profound implications for how educational policies are structured and enforced across the country.