Breaking News: Supreme Court Stays New UGC Rules, Directs 2012 Regulations to Remain Until March 19

The Supreme Court of India has temporarily stayed the implementation of recently enacted UGC regulations, reinstating the 2012 rules across all colleges and campuses until further orders. The decision came after concerns were raised by petitioners that the new rules could disproportionately affect students from the general category and risk undermining constitutional principles of equality and unity. During the proceedings, legal experts, academics, and social observers presented suggestions, but no final formation or policy decision has been made. Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice B.V. Nagarathna emphasized that the situation must not create divisions similar to racial segregation in other countries. The court also questioned whether the new regulations could be re-drafted to ensure fairness. The Centre sought additional time to file its response, with the next hearing scheduled for March 19. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta confirmed that the government will submit its reply by then. The court, in exercise of powers under Article 142, has kept the 2012 UGC regulations operational in the meantime, effectively placing the new rules in abeyance. Petitioners, including senior lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, welcomed the stay, emphasizing that a balanced solution must uphold constitutional safeguards and prevent potential social and academic unrest.