A hearing was held in the Supreme Court on Thursday regarding the new rules of UGC, but no decision has been taken yet. The government said that the rules are being reconsidered after the objections of the students. Now the hearing will take place after four weeks.
New Delhi: The controversy over the new rules made by the UGC to prevent discrimination on the basis of caste in colleges and universities has not stopped yet. On Thursday, November 5, 2026, the matter again reached the Supreme Court. In the hearing, the Central Government told that the students have raised many objections regarding the rules. In view of these, the government is reconsidering the rules. Talks are also going on to form a new committee.
What did the Central Government say on the new rules of UGC?
An important hearing was held in the Supreme Court on Thursday regarding the new rules of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of the Central Government before the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. During the hearing, Tushar Mehta told the court that the government is looking seriously at the concerns of the students.
The controversial provisions present in the rules are being reconsidered, so that students of any category do not feel insecure or discriminated against. He also said that the government is considering forming a committee to review the rules. However, the formation of the committee has not been formally announced yet. After hearing the government's side, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing of the case for four weeks. The court said that it has given its suggestion to the government and now it will be seen what steps are taken in this direction.
What did CJI Surya Kant say about the students?
During the hearing on the new rules of UGC, Chief Justice Surya Kant raised many questions regarding the safety of students. He asked the government what was the problem in reconsidering these rules. If making some changes will benefit the coming generations, then it should definitely be thought about. The CJI said that every student studying in college and university should get equal security. It should not happen that any one category of student feels that the rules are against him or his complaint will not be heard. There should not be this kind of fear in the minds of children who come to study.
On this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Government, said that the government also wants to take care of the interests of all the students. For this reason, the new rules are being re-examined and necessary changes in them are being considered.
Why is there controversy over the new rules of UGC?
UGC had issued new rules for colleges and universities on 13 January 2026. The reason for bringing these rules was that no student should be harassed in the college because of his caste, religion or language. If any student is mistreated, he can complain about it and the college administration should take action against him.
For this, arrangements were made to form equal opportunity centers and equity committees in all colleges and universities. If any student is troubled due to his caste, religion, language or disability, he can go to this committee and present his views. But as soon as the rules came to light, some students started raising questions on them. The biggest controversy was regarding rule 3(1)(c). In this, while talking about discrimination on the basis of caste, students of SC, ST and OBC categories have been specifically mentioned.
What objection do general category students have to the new rules?
The petitioners who approached the court against the UGC rules say that any student can be treated unfairly on the basis of caste. Then why are general category students kept apart in terms of filing complaints and getting protection? Their demand is that if any student is treated unfairly because of his caste, he should also get full opportunity to complain. Whatever category a student belongs to, the rules should be the same.
The petitioners have raised another point. He says that in the new rules, adequate arrangements have not been made to stop those making false complaints. They fear that these rules can be misused even in mutual disputes. At the same time, many organizations associated with Dalits, tribals and backward classes have a different opinion. He says that even today students in colleges and universities have to face problems because of caste. It is necessary to have strict rules to prevent such cases.
There is difference of opinion between the two sides regarding this matter. On one hand, there is a demand for equal protection for all students, while on the other hand, emphasis is being laid on maintaining strong arrangements for students facing caste discrimination.
Why did the Supreme Court put a stay on the rules on January 29?
After the new rules of UGC came out, protests against them started in many colleges and universities of the country. Some student organizations also raised questions on the rules. After this petitions were filed in the Supreme Court. While hearing the case on January 29, 2026, the Supreme Court had put a stay on the new rules for the time being. The court said that some things in the rules are not clear. In such a situation, the possibility of their misuse cannot be ignored.
During the hearing, the court had also expressed concern that due to these rules the distance between students might increase. Therefore, it is important to understand all its aspects properly. The Supreme Court had given the interim order using its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. According to this, until the court gives a new order, the old UGC rules of 2012 will remain applicable.
At present, there is a ban on new rules. Now only after the government's review and further hearing in the Supreme Court will it be clear what changes will be made in these rules.