A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court contesting the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations of 2026. The petitioner, advocate Vineet Jindal, argues that the regulations perpetuate discrimination by lacking grievance redressal mechanisms for individuals outside the SC/ST/OBC categories.
The petition specifically targets Regulation 3(c), claiming it confines the concept of “caste-based discrimination” solely to SC, ST, and OBC members. It asserts that this definition excludes individuals from general or upper castes, irrespective of the discrimination they face.
Advocating for a non-discriminatory approach, the petition calls for Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Helplines, and inquiry mechanisms to be available to all individuals without bias. It emphasizes that denying grievance redressal based on caste identity violates constitutional articles and perpetuates bias in a supposedly neutral framework.
The petition challenges the assumption that caste-based discrimination flows in only one direction, arguing that individuals from general or upper castes can also face caste-related hostility. It criticizes the regulations for legitimizing “reverse discrimination” and failing to achieve the equity and inclusion goals outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020.
Highlighting concerns about academic freedom, the petition warns that without impartial safeguards, accusations of caste discrimination could be misused, stifling genuine grievances and fostering fear and self-censorship among students and faculty. Ultimately, the plea seeks the removal of Regulation 3(c) from the 2026 Regulations.
