Report Delhi bureau
New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed an interim stay on the new regulations issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) aimed at preventing discrimination in universities and colleges across the country. The decision comes amid sustained opposition to the rules from various academic bodies, teachers’ associations, and student groups.
The UGC had recently introduced these regulations to strengthen mechanisms against discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, and other social identities in higher educational institutions. The rules proposed enhanced oversight, stricter grievance redressal systems, and increased administrative accountability.
However, several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the regulations. The petitioners argued that the new rules interfere with the autonomy of educational institutions, are vaguely worded, and create excessive administrative burdens despite the existence of earlier laws and safeguards.
During the hearing, the apex court observed that the matter requires detailed examination and that implementing the rules at this stage may not be appropriate. Consequently, the court stayed the operation of the regulations and sought responses from the UGC and the Central Government.
Until further orders, the new UGC regulations will not be implemented in universities and colleges. The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter for further hearing, after which a final decision will be made.
The ruling has reignited the debate between institutional autonomy and regulatory oversight in India’s higher education system.
