Plea Against UGC Equity Regulations : Live Updates From Supreme Court Hearing

Read report here - BREAKING | 'Capable Of Misuse, Vague': Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations 2026

CJI: Victims can't be left remediless

Jaising: They won't be remediless. I suggest, if there are any complaints by any person in any quarter, let them file under these regulations

CJI declines: We are not concerned about general category complaints. Our concern is redressal system for reserved community members should remain in force

Jaising: 2012 Regulations have been repealed

Court orders: In exercise of Art 142 we direct that 2012 Regulations will continue in force till further orders

CJI: Don't make political issues, we are warning.

Jaising: This is like saying a fully abled person should get benefit of disability

Court issues notice and lists matter on 19 March

Order: On our asking, SG accepts notice. Since issues raised in writ petition (c) no. 1149/2019 shall also have bearing while examining constitutionality and validity of regulations, these writ petitions are ordered to be heard along with that petition. Meanwhile, 2026 regulations be kept in abeyance. However, 2012 regulations shall continue in force so that ... are not left remediless

Jaising: Stay of regulations is not called for, without hearing us. This can't happen you create a law and order problem and come to court for stay.

BREAKING | Supreme Court stays UGC Promotion of Equity Regulations 2026.

SC says the provisions are prima facie vague and capable of misuse.

SC asks Union to redraft the regulations, till then its operation kept in abeyance.

Order: Issue notice

Jaising: Question is of interpretation of 'only' on the basis of caste or tribe

J Bagchi: We fail to understand when 2c is engrained into 3e, why it has been separately culled out as a clause?

Jaising: This is about vision of the constitution and inclusive society

J Bagchi: We would have understood the vision if it serves the purpose for which regulations are made. What is the impact of the regulations

CJI: There are 4-5 questions...otherwise this will have very sweeping consequences...will lead to very dangerous impact!

J Bagchi: Extent of discrimination is reduced by excluding ragging.

Jaising: There's attempt to overreach orders in that matter. Concern court had was of all-inclusive society...

CJI: Prima facie language of the regulations...there is complete vagueness...capable of misuse...some expert may advise remodulation

Jaising: I will convince you that's not the case

J Bagchi: We are looking to create a free and equitable atmosphere in universities. We find no reason when 3e is subsisting as it was...how does 3c become relevant? is it a redundancy?

CJI: Purely on constitutional principles.

Jaising: Issues to be considered were noted by this court in its order...one was 'non-segregation'...therefore, there shall be no segregation. When we came to this court, we showed instances....In hostels, SC, ST students are being segregated.

CJI: We had said there will be no segregation

Jaising: It cannot be dealt with independently of earlier petition

CJI: You are right on that.

CJI: Mr SG, we would like to have your response. Today we do not want to pass any order...some committee should be there with eminent jurist...have 2-3 persons...who understand social values and ailments society is facing. How entire society should grow...how people are going to behave outside campus if we create this...they must apply their mind

SG: We will respond. There's a constitutional issue.

Sr Adv Indira Jaising: Propriety demanded that they should have made mention of pending matter...process by which these regulations have been passed...courtesy demanded full disclosure that PIL was filed in 2019

CJI: We can't go further backward.

Another counsel: Ragging will happen, cross-cases will come

J Bagchi: One point is Art 15(4) empowers the state to make special laws for SCs, STs...but if 2012 regulations spoke of a more widespread, all-inclusive policy...why should there be a regression in a protective, ameliorative framework? Principle of non-regression also pervades...UNITY OF INDIA MUST BE REFLECTED IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

CJI: This kind of situation can be exploited by certain elements.

CJI: Even legislature having realized that even within reserved communities, there are people who have become haves...some communities are enjoying better things than others...it is policy makers' wisdom. Suppose a student belonging to A group of SC uses insulting language against another community student, is there any remedy? Whatever we have gained [towards a casteless society]...Are we going in a regressive...? Ragging is unfortunately the worst. You are talking of separate hostels - don't do that

Counsel: This entire regulation must be quashed. We can suggest better draft.