The Supreme Court directed that the UGC Promotion of Equity Regulations, 2026, which define what constitutes caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions, be kept in abeyance while it examines their constitutional validity. The Court stayed the operation of the Regulations, observing that several provisions are prima facie vague and capable of misuse, and directed the Union government to redraft them. Until then, their implementation will remain in abeyance, with the stay operating till March 19, 2026. The Court further ordered that the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012, will continue to govern the field in the interim.