Supreme Court Petition Challenges UGC Regulations Limiting Caste-Based Reservation to SC/ST/OBC Categories
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2026. The petitioner argues that Regulation 3(c) is discriminatory because it limits the benefit of reservation and protection against discrimination solely to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The plea contends that this excludes members of the general or upper castes from legal protection against caste-based hostility, thereby violating the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution. The petition seeks a more inclusive definition of caste-based discrimination.
Key Points
- The 2026 UGC Regulations superseded the 2012 version with the goal of fostering equity in higher education.
- The petitioner argues that the current definition of discrimination creates a 'hierarchy of victimhood'.
- The plea claims that the regulations assume caste-based discrimination only operates in one direction.
- The legal challenge is based on the principle of equal protection of law for all citizens regardless of caste.
Exam Facts
- The petition challenges Regulation 3(c) of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.
- Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
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