While keeping at abeyance the "non-inclusionary" definition of caste-based discrimination that excluded general categories from institutional protection under rule 3(1)(c), the bench revived the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012. Since issues raised in 2019 plea shall also have bearing while examining constitutionality.. let these petitions be tagged with the same. Meanwhile, the UGC Regulations 2026 shall remain in abeyance," it said. The 2026 regulations triggered protests at various places, with student groups and organisations demanding its immediate rollback. Why is it assumed that only caste-based discrimination exists," the bench asked, adding, "Whatever we have gained in terms of achieving a casteless society, are we now becoming regressive?"