Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Rules, Seeks Centre's Response on Caste Discrimination

• The Supreme Court has stayed the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 2026 equity rules concerning caste-based discrimination.
• Notices were issued to the central government and UGC, seeking their responses by March 19.
• Chief Justice Suryakant expressed concerns about the potential misuse and ambiguity of the new rules, stating they could divide society.
• The SC bench, including Justice J Joymalya Bagchi, emphasized the need for a "free, fair, and inclusive environment" in educational institutions.
• The old rules from 2012 will remain in effect, and the SC suggested forming a committee of legal and social experts to review the guidelines.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court halts UGC's new equity rules, citing potential misuse and societal division, and seeks Centre's input.