The Supreme Court has issued notice on a fresh petition challenging the constitutional validity of multiple University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations related to anti-discrimination measures and student grievance redressal mechanisms in higher educational institutions across the country.
Appearing for the petitioners, Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak urged the Court to examine the need for a wider and constitutionally compliant regulatory framework dealing with discrimination complaints and institutional disciplinary processes within universities and colleges.
The petition challenged various provisions of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012 and 2026, along with the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, contending that several provisions were vague, overbroad and arbitrary, thereby violating constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
As per the petition, the impugned regulations failed to provide adequate procedural safeguards and create scope for misuse, arbitrary enforcement and excessive administrative discretion by educational institutions. The plea specifically challenged the definition of caste-based discrimination under the 2026 Regulations, arguing that the terminology lacked precision and could result in inconsistent interpretation and implementation.
The plea also raised objections regarding the composition and functioning of Equity Committees constituted under the regulations. It argued that the framework did not ensure institutional neutrality, procedural fairness or adequate checks against bias during inquiry and disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, the plea questioned the provisions authorising universities and higher educational institutions to independently frame disciplinary rules and enforcement procedures, contending that such delegated powers were unguided and susceptible to arbitrary exercise.
The petition further relied on the Supreme Court’s earlier order dated January 29, 2026, in Mritunjay Tiwari v. Union of India, wherein the Court had stayed the operation of the 2026 Regulations after expressing concerns regarding ambiguity, overbreadth and the possibility of misuse. The Bench had, however, permitted the 2012 Regulations to continue temporarily pending adjudication of the constitutional challenge.
The post Validity of UGC anti-discrimination regulations under Supreme Court scanner after fresh plea appeared first on India Legal.