SC approves finalisation of UGC Regulations 2025

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday green signalled finalisation and notifying of University Grants Commission framed 2025 Regulations to curb caste-based discriminations in higher educational institutions (HEIs) while observing that the recommendations by SC appointed National Task Force on curbing student suicide in HEIs would be considered separately.
Appearing for mothers of students, including Rohit Vemula who had committed suicide, senior advocate Indira Jaising strived hard to convince a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh that UGC's draft regulations fell short of expectations and that it should not either be notified or enforced till the NTF headed by former SC judge S Ravindra Bhat gave its recommendations on measures to curb such unfortunate incidents.
When solicitor general Tushar Mehta attempted to convey to the court that the Regulations, framed after taking views of all stakeholders, are being finalised, a mercurial Jaising flared up accusing Mehta of interjecting unnecessarily.
"If the Regulations meet even a fraction of the expectations for ensuring a non-discriminatory atmosphere in the HEIs, it would be beneficial for those silent majority who are waiting for a fresh UGC Regulation," Justice Kant-led bench said.