In a significant judicial intervention, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday imposed a stay on the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) controversial new regulations. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, heard petitions challenging Section 3C of these rules, which petitioners argued promote discrimination in violation of constitutional norms.
Senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the petitioners, highlighted how the regulations’ definition of discrimination deviates from constitutional standards. The court, after detailed deliberations, stayed the implementation pending the next hearing scheduled for March 19.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary responded promptly, affirming the government’s commitment to judicial directives. ‘This is a court order, and the government will act accordingly,’ he stated, underscoring Bihar’s respect for the judiciary.
BJP leader Sunil Bharala criticized the UGC rules sharply, calling them biased against upper-caste communities. He pointed out objectionable language targeting specific groups and provisions for filing cases against students based on caste disclosures, with decisions vested in a committee perceived as partial. The rules faced nationwide backlash from all societal sections, not just one community.
Choudhary also addressed unrelated political issues. On West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s comments regarding Ajit Pawar’s demise, he urged her to avoid politicizing the matter, noting the family’s support for the government and readiness for action if shortcomings are found. Regarding the land-for-job scam, he emphasized timely judicial hearings and full compliance with court verdicts.
This stay offers respite to students and educators nationwide, as debates on equitable higher education policies intensify ahead of the next court date.