The University Grants Commission’s new regulations against discrimination in higher education — the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 — are significant and welcome. They have sparked protests on the grounds of overreach and there are accusations that it ignores upper-caste concerns. Yet, the context that produces them shows why they are much needed. Despite Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s assurance that misuse will “not be allowed against anybody”, there will be challenges. For the regulations to succeed, checks and balances and safeguards against misuse, and a commitment to due process, will be critical.