The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a petition challenging both the UGC Regulations, 2023 and the UGC Regulations, 2026, observing that the challenge to the 2023 regulations came belatedly and could not be combined with the challenge to the newer rules.

During the hearing, the petitioners argued that both sets of regulations were unconstitutional and discriminatory, particularly in the context of addressing caste-based harassment in educational institutions. They also pointed to a circular issued by the State of Madhya Pradesh on February 2, 2026, directing universities to follow the 2023 regulations, alleging that the circular effectively bypassed an earlier order of the Supreme Court.

The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the maintainability of the plea, asking the petitioners why the 2023 regulations were being challenged only now. The Court remarked:

“We will not allow to challenge both. Why are you coming after three years? You owe an explanation.”

When the petitioners argued that the 2023 regulations were discriminatory, the Bench raised the concern of a potential regulatory vacuum, asking where victims of caste-based discrimination or harassment in universities would seek redress. In response, counsel submitted that complaints could be addressed under the 2012 UGC Regulations, which contain several provisions dealing with such grievances. The Court then questioned this position, asking: “There are 2012 regulations… there are 2023 regulations. Why should they go to 2012 regulations?”

Refusing to entertain a combined challenge to both regulations, the Court dismissed the petition with liberty to file separate proceedings challenging the 2023 regulations if the petitioners so wished.

The Bench clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the issues raised and that any future petitions would be considered independently.