UGC 2026 Row Live: SC stay 'appropriate', Mayawati calls for inclusive consultation

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the implementation of the UGC 2026 Equity Regulations, calling the top court’s order appropriate given the rising social tension over the rules.

In a post addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said that the controversy could have been avoided if the University Grants Commission had engaged in broader consultations with all stakeholders before notifying the regulations. Mayawati also emphasised that committees set up under the rules should have fair representation from the upper-caste community under the principles of natural justice to build trust and reduce the current discord.

Reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the implementation of the UGC 2026 guidelines, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday welcomed the order and thanked the court for its intervention. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, saying the decision reflects the government’s commitment to social harmony.

Singh asserted that Prime Minister Modi has never discriminated against any section of society and highlighted the introduction of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation as an example of inclusive governance. He added that public representatives work solely in the interest of the people and emphasised that policies under the current leadership aim to serve all citizens without bias.

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee welcomed the Supreme Court’s stay on the UGC Regulations 2026, describing the decision as correct and necessary.

He said, “The Supreme Court has done the right thing as the UGC guideline was unconstitutional.”

Banerjee’s remarks underline concerns raised by various stakeholders about the legality and fairness of the new rules, which many argued could create discrimination and confusion on campuses.

He emphasised that the court’s intervention ensures that educational institutions and students are protected while legal scrutiny of the regulations continues. His statement adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for clarity, fairness, and constitutional compliance in education policy.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav commented on the Supreme Court’s stay on the UGC Regulations 2026, emphasising the importance of fairness and clarity in law.

He wrote on X, “True justice does not involve injustice to anyone; this is what the honourable court ensures.”

He stressed that the language of any law must be unambiguous, both in its wording and its intent. Yadav noted that the issue is “not just about the rules, but also about the intention,” and urged that “let no one be oppressed, and let no one suffer injustice.”

He further added, “Let there be no tyranny or cruelty, and let there be no unfairness towards anyone,” highlighting the need for justice, equality, and fairness in education.

Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar reacted to the Supreme Court’s stay on the UGC Regulations 2026, saying, “No one can point a finger at the Supreme Court order… Today, the Supreme Court granted a stay.”

He emphasised that every individual has the right to voice their opinion in the Supreme Court and that the judiciary’s decision must be respected.

Rajbhar added that both the state and central governments are “complying with the constitution” and that the Supreme Court’s intervention reinforces the rule of law.

He reiterated that the court’s stay ensures fairness and protects the rights of students and educational institutions while maintaining constitutional balance. His remarks underline the legal and administrative importance of the SC’s decision in the ongoing UGC controversy.

Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the UGC guidelines, describing them as “vague, arbitrary and an attempt to create further discrimination on campuses.”

She said she faced trolling, abuse, and slurs targeting her surname but affirmed that she would continue speaking out against anything that “goes against natural course of justice.”

Chaturvedi criticised the Government of India for failing to intervene or withdraw the UGC guidelines, stating it “shows that they give no respect or consideration to people’s protests,” which she said is “now clear as daylight.”

She also warned that those who remained silent on the issue would be judged by time. Her remarks reflect the growing opposition and public debate over the controversial UGC rules.

RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal reacted to the Supreme Court’s stay on the UGC Regulations 2026, urging the government to take a clear stance in the court.

He said, “When the UGC made the rules, the government had information about it, now the government should take a stand in the Supreme Court.”

Beniwal emphasised that “Those who rag or insult any student, including SC/ST/OBC students, must be punished.” He clarified that his concerns are not against the general category, stressing fairness for all.

The MP also highlighted the need for reviewing reservation policies, stating, “After the census, reservations for OBCs should be raised.”

His remarks underline the growing debate over UGC rules, caste representation, and the balance between protecting students and ensuring equity in education.

Advocate and petitioner Vineet Jindal welcomed the Supreme Court’s stay on the UGC Regulations 2026, calling it a “very big win.” He said the Chief Justice of India (CJI) appreciated their arguments on three key issues.

First, Section 3C, which deals with caste discrimination, was challenged because it excludes the general caste while including SC, ST, and OBC, effectively sending a message that the general caste discriminates against others.

Jindal said the CJI agreed that such provisions could be harsh and discriminatory for the general caste and suggested they be amended.

Second, regarding the equity committee under Section 18, Jindal highlighted that the rules do not specify representation for the general community. The CJI admitted this concern and recommended forming a committee including academicians and social workers knowledgeable on the subject.

The case has now been posted for 19 March, and Jindal expressed hope for a positive resolution.

Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, National President of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, Sant Mahasabha, and Shri Chitragupta Akhara, praised the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the implementation of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new rules.

He described the stay as “highly commendable” and called it a victory for justice.

Swami Chakrapani urged the government to focus on “inclusive development for all” and emphasised that policies should not hinder anyone’s progress, particularly students and young citizens striving for education and opportunity.

He stressed the need for fairness and harmony in the education system, warning that unjust or divisive regulations could disrupt social cohesion.

The religious leader’s remarks underline growing public debate over the UGC rules and the balance between equality, merit, and social justice.

BJP MP Dr Nishikant Dubey weighed in on the ongoing controversy around the UGC, defending the government and criticising what he called “self-proclaimed experts” attacking the regulator.

In a post on X, Dubey said he had been present in Parliament for the last two days and claimed that not a single MP from any political party had raised the UGC issue for discussion.

He added that the government, under Prime Minister Modi, had provided 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and shown concern for the poor, yet it is being unfairly criticised.

Dubey urged people to trust Modi, stating, “The laws of the country will be governed by Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.” Referring to the Supreme Court, he said it “did exactly what I said it would,” highlighting that constitutional safeguards remain intact.

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the implementation of the UGC 2026 Equity Guidelines, directing that the 2012 regulations will remain in force until further orders. The court said intervention was necessary as the new guidelines were capable of dividing society and could have a grave impact if implemented at this stage.

The bench issued notice to the Centre and the University Grants Commission (UGC), seeking their response on the challenges raised against the regulations. The court observed that the concerns surrounding the new framework warranted immediate judicial scrutiny.

The matter has now been listed for further hearing on March 19, while the older 2012 anti-discrimination guidelines will continue to govern universities and colleges across the country.

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the implementation of the UGC 2026 Equity Regulations, stating that the 2012 regulations will remain in force until further orders. The court said the move was aimed at ensuring that no serious issues arise during the transition.

During the hearing, the bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the court wanted to ensure that the regulations do not create problems on campuses. “We want to ensure that there are no problems,” the CJI observed, while also stressing that victims of discrimination should not be left without remedies.

Senior Advocate Indira Jaising opposed the idea of a stay, arguing that laws should not be challenged only after they trigger law-and-order concerns. She also submitted that any person, irrespective of caste or background, must have the right to raise complaints if they face discrimination.

After hearing the submissions, the Supreme Court made it clear that the older 2012 framework will continue to operate, effectively putting the new UGC 2026 regulations on hold for now. The matter will be taken up again for further consideration.

The Supreme Court on Thursday stressed that India’s unity must be reflected within its educational institutions, cautioning against creating isolated or divided campus environments. The court observed that schools and colleges cannot function in silos, as such segregation could prevent students from developing social harmony beyond campus life.

The bench noted that while states are empowered to frame laws for SC and ST communities, concerns raised about making anti-discrimination measures more inclusive deserve consideration. The court questioned whether new frameworks risk pushing society toward regression, drawing parallels with issues like ragging, which are addressed without dividing students along identity lines.

The Supreme Court also pointed out that even within reserved categories, internal divisions have emerged in several states. Referring to states like Haryana, the bench observed that communities have been split into sub-groups based on perceived socio-economic advantage, creating a “have and have-not” situation even within reservation frameworks.

The Supreme Court on Thursday made strong observations while hearing petitions challenging the UGC 2026 Equity Regulations, questioning whether India is moving in a regressive direction despite 75 years of constitutional progress toward a casteless society.

The court said educational institutions must reflect the unity of India and warned against creating segregated environments. Drawing a comparison, the bench noted that India should not move toward a system similar to racially segregated schools in the US, where students were divided on identity lines.

The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, emphasised that while mechanisms must exist to protect those who genuinely face discrimination, the larger goal should be to move toward a casteless society. “You cannot have schools and colleges functioning in isolation. How will people grow outside the campus if we create such environments inside it?” the CJI observed.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked that the issue may not raise a purely constitutional question, noting that states are empowered to frame laws for SC and ST communities, but added that concerns regarding inclusive definitions of discrimination need consideration.

The court acknowledged submissions seeking a stay on the regulations, asked the Solicitor General for his response, and observed that certain aspects of the rules require further examination. The bench also suggested that the government could consider setting up a committee of eminent scholars and experts to review the concerns raised.

The Supreme Court has begun hearing petitions challenging the new UGC 2026 regulations.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, is presiding over the matter. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the petitioners, began arguments, stating that the regulations are creating divisions in society.

Jain specifically challenged Section 3(c) of the notification. He said that Section 3(c) defines caste-based discrimination only in terms of SC, ST, and OBC, completely excluding members of the general category. He added that this section violates Article 14 of the Constitution and that the definition provided in the regulation is entirely discriminatory.

MP Harnath Singh Yadav has proposed three key points to the government to make the UGC 2026 Equity Regulations more balanced and acceptable to all stakeholders. In a social media post addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh suggested the following:

Strict action against false complaints – anyone filing fake grievances should face punitive measures.

Inclusive grievance committees – the teams investigating complaints should include members from SC, ST, OBC, and general categories.

Penalties for discrimination against general category students – if any caste-based exploitation occurs against general category students, there should be clear punishment provisions.

Singh expressed confidence that his suggestions would be considered positively and also acknowledged the Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The proposals aim to ensure that the regulations are fair, inclusive, and free from misuse, addressing concerns raised by students and educators across the country.

Concerns are mounting over the newly notified UGC 2026 Equity Regulations, with calls for a review and broader consultation involving all stakeholders. Critics argue that only balanced and fair rules can ensure equality, impartiality, and trust in universities and colleges. A formal letter has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a reconsideration of the regulations to address these concerns.

BJP leader Kalraj Mishra has raised concerns over the newly notified UGC 2026 Equity Regulations, calling them “unconstitutional” and based on caste discrimination. He urged that all sections of society be included in the grievance process and emphasised that students from any caste should have the right to file complaints.

Mishra also demanded clear punitive measures against false complaints, better representation of all communities in the Equal Opportunity Centres, and detailed guidelines on the committees’ scope, jurisdiction, and timeframe. He discussed these issues with a delegation and met with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to highlight the concerns.

Veteran Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran highlighted a significant development in the reservation landscape, noting that the current BJP government has introduced OBC reservations in Rastriya Military Schools. These quotas are primarily for children of serving and retired armed forces personnel, with very few seats available for civilians if officers choose not to fill them.

While SC/ST reservations have long existed in these institutions, the inclusion of OBC quotas is a new move, signaling that the government is willing to expand affirmative action into areas previously untouched. Lt Col Sheoran warned that anyone assuming that private sector institutions might remain exempt from similar measures could be mistaken, stating, “If the armed forces are not exempted, then who else will be?”

This statement has reignited discussions about the potential reach of reservation policies, the balance between equity and merit, and how such measures could be implemented in both public and private institutions in the near future.

Students across several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar, have staged protests against the new regulations. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured that the rules will not be used to discriminate against anyone and that their misuse will be strictly prevented. He added that it is the responsibility of both the government and the concerned institutions to ensure that the regulations are implemented fairly and not exploited.