Supreme Court Stays UGC's New Equity Regulations 2026; Hearing on March 19

• The Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of UGC's new Equity Regulations 2026.
• The court emphasized that India's unity should be reflected in educational institutions, stating schools and colleges cannot operate in isolation.
• Three petitions were filed against the new guidelines, including one by activist Rahul Dewan, a BHU researcher Mritunjay Tiwari, and advocate Vineet Jindal.
• The new regulations, notified on January 13, 2026, were intended to replace the 2012 rules.
• The next hearing is scheduled for March 19, and until then, the 2012 rules will remain in effect.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court halts UGC's new equity rules, citing unity concerns; 2012 rules remain until March 19 hearing.