Protests Grow Challenging New UGC Equity Regulation

Jan 27, 2026 – A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court questioning the Constitutional validity of Regulation 3(c) of the new University Grants Commission (UGC) Equity Regulations 2026 which was notified on January 13, 2026.

The plea has termed the rule discriminatory alleging that it provides benefits to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Communities members but denies equal justice to the general or other categories. The petitioner, advocate Vineet Jindal, has expressed concerns that the new rules may violate principles of fairness and equality under the Constitution.

The UGC’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations 2026 aims to promote inclusiveness, social justice and curb caste-based discrimination. Under this rule, universities and colleges are to set up Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees and grievance redressal panels along with 24x7 helplines to address complaints from students coming from SC, ST and OBC.

Protests against the new UGC regulation have broken out in New Delhi, Alwar, Meerut, Hapur, Saharanpur, Madhubani and other areas. In Rajasthan, the Karni Sena and Marwar Rajput Mahasabha in Rajasthan have warned both the Central and State governments that if changes are not made to these rules, a large-scale movement will be launched.

The Shri Rajput Karni Sena’s Jodhpur president, Mansingh Medatia, has alleged that this law has been brought to suppress the Savarna (General Category) community, and they will strongly oppose it. He said a strategy will soon be prepared and protests will be organised. It was announced that Jodhpur will remain closed on February 1, in which, along with Karni Sena, other social organisations will also participate.

Marwar Rajput Mahasabha president Hanuman Singh Khangta said the Savarna community is being suppressed under this regulation. If changes are not made soon, they will protest. He further said that being a General Category citizen is not a crime, but this law could trap them in false cases.

Meanwhile, an S-4 group has been formed in Rajasthan against the UGC’s move. Brahmin, Rajput, Vaishya and Kayastha organisations have come together under this platform. This committee will be called Savarna Samaj Samanvay Samiti, which will work to establish coordination among all Savarna (General Category) organisations across the country.

With Media Inputs

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