New Delhi: The Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of the regulations issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on January 23 aimed at “promoting equity in higher education institutions.” Several petitioners had challenged these rules, describing them as arbitrary, discriminatory, and contrary to the Constitution as well as the UGC Act, 1956.
The decision comes as a relief to those who had opposed the regulations. The petitioners argued that the rules violate the principle of equality and could exclude certain groups. They also contended that the regulations are inconsistent with the provisions of the UGC Act. With the Supreme Court’s intervention, the enforcement of these rules has been halted for the time being. The matter will now be heard in detail, after which the Court will determine the validity of the regulations.
During the hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Jyommalya Bagchi observed that the new rules lack clarity and are susceptible to misuse. In view of this, the Court ordered an immediate stay on their implementation. It further directed that the regulations in force since 2012 will be reinstated. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for March 19.
