UGC’s New Rules Challenged In Supreme Court As 'Discriminatory, Unconstitutional'

New Delhi: Protests have intensified across the country regarding the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Regulations, 2026, implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Initially this matter was limited to only students and teachers, but now administration and politics have also been openly involved in it. Demonstrations are taking place outside the UGC headquarters in Delhi, while statements and resignations have started in many states.

Has this matter reached the Supreme Court?

These rules of UGC have been challenged in the Supreme Court. The petition states that a provision related to the definition of caste-based discrimination is unconstitutional and does not provide equal protection to all classes. Now everyone's eyes are also on the stand of the court.

What are students and teachers angry about?

The protesting students and teachers say that the language of the new rules is not clear and too much power has been given to the institutions. They fear that these provisions may be misused and some sections may be targeted.

For this reason, a series of meetings and protests are going on in many universities.

Why did the upper-caste students protest?

On Monday, a large number of upper-caste students gathered outside the UGC office in Delhi and demanded withdrawal of the rules. The protesters allege that the new rules may disturb the social balance and create a situation of discrimination against some communities. A heavy police force was deployed around the UGC headquarters to avoid any untoward situation.

Why is the resignation of City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri in discussion?

Bareilly City Magistrate PCS officer Alankar Agnihotri recently resigned from his post. He openly said that the UGC rules are “harmful to the country” and the Brahmin community is being targeted. After his resignation, he also sat on a dharna at the Collectorate gate, due to which the matter became more heated.

However, the government later ordered disciplinary action against him and also started an investigation.

#WATCH | Bareilly | Suspended City Magistrate of Bareilly, Alankar Agnihotri says, "Various organisations and Brahmin communities from our six states are in contact. Many people, including elected representatives, have expressed concern that the UGC regulations, published in the… https://t.co/ASKUM4pkl7 pic.twitter.com/VymwaFqUvl

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2026

What is the reaction to this in politics?

A young leader of the ruling party has also resigned on this issue. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh government minister Sanjay Nishad has said that "the flaws in the rules should be seriously considered."

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma distanced himself from Alankar Agnihotri's statement and said that he did not know him personally.

What could happen next?

At present the situation is not clear. On one hand, demonstrations are intensifying across the country; on the other hand the matter has reached the court and political pressure on the government is also increasing.

People associated with the education world believe that if clarification or amendment is not made soon, this controversy can take a bigger form.