UGC's New Equity Rule 3(c) Challenged in Supreme Court: Equality or Discrimination?

• UGC's new 'Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026' rule 3(c) has been challenged in the Supreme Court.
• A PIL alleges Rule 3(c) is arbitrary, discriminatory, unconstitutional, and violates Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.
• The petitioner claims the rule, intended to promote equality, could discriminate against general category students/teachers and lacks provisions for false complaints.
• The UGC regulations aim to eliminate discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, etc., and mandate Equity Committees in institutions.
• The rules were formulated following a Supreme Court directive due to a 118% increase in caste-based discrimination complaints over five years.

Why It Matters: UGC's new anti-discrimination rule faces Supreme Court challenge, sparking debate on equality versus potential discrimination.