Overview

• Directing time-bound action, Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi told the UGC to weigh stakeholder inputs and notify the regulations within eight weeks, with the court set to review reasons for any omissions.
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said 391 submissions on the draft were examined by an expert committee chaired by Shailesh N. Zala, which has forwarded recommendations now under UGC consideration.
• The bench recorded proposals for a clear ban on discriminatory practices, an end to segregation in hostels and classrooms or rank-based buddy systems, and digitised scholarship disbursal to prevent harassment through delays.
• Other measures placed before the UGC include grievance panels with at least 50% SC/ST/OBC representation and appeals to NCSC/NCST, protection for complainants, specialised counselling, personal liability for negligence, NAAC-linked audits, and penalties such as withdrawal of grants.
• The 2025 regulations address ragging, sexual harassment, and discrimination based on caste, gender, and disability, responding to concerns that weak enforcement has contributed to student suicides.