The Supreme Court of India on January 29, 2026, stayed the implementation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, barely days after they were notified on January 23. The court clarified that until further orders, the 2012 UGC regulations on equity and non-discrimination would continue to operate. What the 2026 Regulations ProposedThe 2026 regulations were introduced with the stated aim of strengthening safeguards against discrimination in higher education institutions. Legal Background and the Road AheadLegal experts point out that this is not the first time UGC regulations have faced judicial scrutiny. The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter for detailed hearing in the coming weeks.