Debate With Arnab: SC Puts UGC Rules In Abeyance But What About The Political Blunder

Supreme Court today stayed the UGC's controversial 2026 Equity Regulations aimed at curbing caste discrimination in higher education, calling them "vague" and "capable of misuse" while reverting to the 2012 norms under Article 142. The bench led by CJI Surya Kant flagged risks of societal division and exclusion of general category students from grievance redressal, issuing notice to the Centre returnable March 19 amid petitions by lawyers like Vineet Jindal. This halts implementation of rules born from 2025 stakeholder consultations, now slammed for arbitrariness violating Articles 14, 15, and 21.

Debate With Arnab: Did the govt rush these "divisive" rules as a political sop post-2024 Lok Sabha setbacks, handing opposition ammo on caste census and merit erosion? Critics say it ignores JNU vandalism horrors like "Brahmin Bharat Chhodo," fueling reverse discrimination fears. With PhD admissions and campus equity hanging, is this judicial smackdown a win for unity or proof of policy flip-flop? Republic LIVE: Should UGC scrap the draft entirely—join the rage now!