To,
1. Ministry of Education, thorough it’s Minister, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi
2. Department of High Education, Ministry of Education, through it’s Secretary, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi
3. University Grants Commission (UGC), through its Chairperson, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002.
Subject: Formal Request for the Immediate Repeal of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally submit a representation demanding the total repeal of the recently notified University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. While the stated objective of promoting equity is noble, the actual framework of these regulations is fundamentally flawed, unconstitutional, and reminiscent of colonial-era “divide and rule” policies that threaten the social fabric of Indian campuses.
The objections are based on the following grounds:
1. Violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality)
The regulations create a discriminatory “two-tier” justice system. By defining caste-based discrimination exclusively as acts against SC, ST, and OBC members (Regulation 2 & 5), the statute denies general category students equal protection from similar acts of prejudice. This selective neutrality fails the test of “reasonable classification” under Article 14, as it excludes a large segment of the student population from the very protections it seeks to institutionalize.
2. Infringement of Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity)
The introduction of “Equity Squads” (Regulation 5.11) and “Equity Ambassadors” (Regulation 5.12) transforms campuses into zones of permanent surveillance. Continuous monitoring of “implicit” behaviors creates an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. This surveillance violates the right to privacy and the right to live with dignity as established by the Supreme Court in various landmark judgments.
3. Violation of Article 22 and Principles of Natural Justice
The regulations fail to provide adequate safeguards for the accused. The concentration of power in the Head of the Institution, who acts as both the investigator and the primary adjudicator, violates the principle of nemo judet in causa sua (no one should be a judge in their own cause). Furthermore, the 15-day investigation timeline is insufficient for a fair defense, potentially leading to arbitrary deprivation of a student’s right to education. Also it does not provide for giving a copy of investigation report (Regulation 8(d)) which is violation of right to be informed under Article 22 in case of any accusation made against any person.
4. Provocation of Social Enmity: Presence of Colonial “Divide and Rule” Policy
By mandating caste and religion based identities in every committee and reporting structure, these regulations force students to retreat into their ancestral identities rather than fostering a unified student body. This approach mirrors the British policy of institutionalizing divisions to maintain control, which ultimately prevents the true eradication of the caste system and fosters “reverse discrimination” and social friction.
5. Absence of Protection Against Malicious Complaints
Unlike the 2012 framework, the 2026 regulations omit penalties for false or motivated complaints. This lack of deterrence makes the statute highly susceptible to misuse by individuals looking to settle personal or academic grudges, leading to a “presumption of guilt” for general category students and faculty.
In light of the above, it is evident that the 2026 Regulations are ultra vires to the Constitution of India and harmful to the academic excellence of our nation. We urge the Commission to withdraw these regulations and replace them with a truly inclusive, identity-blind framework that protects all students equally. I request you to repeal this regulation as early as possible for sake of unity of the Nation.
Sincerely,
Law abiding citizen of Bharat
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