The Supreme Court will hear the case against the UGC rules today, the Chief Justice said – we know what is going on.:The Chief Justice said, "We know what is going on, let's make sure the deficiencies are removed."

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Supreme Court will hear on Thursday a batch of petitions challenging the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new Equity Regulations, 2026. According to the apex court's website, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi will hear the matter on January 29.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court agreed to list for hearing a petition challenging the recently notified University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations alleging that the commission has adopted an inclusive definition of caste-based discrimination and has excluded certain classes from institutional protection.

According to PTI, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi considered the arguments of a lawyer who sought an urgent hearing on the petition. The lawyer said, "These rules have the potential to discriminate against the general category."

The Chief Justice said, "We know what is going on. Make sure the deficiencies are removed. We will list it." The new rules, notified on January 13, direct all higher education institutions to set up "equality committees" to investigate complaints of discrimination and promote equality.

According to the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equality in Higher Educational Institutions) Rules, 2026, it is mandatory to include OBC, SC, ST, persons with disabilities and women members in these committees.

The new rules replace the UGC (Promotion of Equality in Higher Educational Institutions) Rules, 2012. The petition alleges that these define caste-based discrimination only against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

The UGC has effectively denied institutional protection and grievance redressal to people from general or non-reserved categories who may face harassment or discrimination based on their caste identity.

The petition states that these rules violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 (right to equality) and 15(1) (prohibition of discrimination by the State on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth). Protests are being held in various places against these rules. Student groups and various organizations are demanding their immediate withdrawal.