Mayawati Welcomes Supreme Court Stay on UGC PhD Quota Rules
BSP leader Mayawati has backed the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the UGC’s 2026 equity regulations, calling it a win for “social justice and equality.” The court’s interim stay protects general category students’ interests, she said.
Key Details
- The Supreme Court stayed the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026, on Wednesday.
- The regulations mandated 50% reservation for SC, ST, OBC candidates in PhD admissions.
- Mayawati termed the rules “unconstitutional” and “discriminatory.”
- The court has sought responses from the Centre and UGC within four weeks.
Mayawati’s Statement
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister issued a statement welcoming the order. “The Supreme Court’s decision is a victory for social justice and equality,” she said. “The UGC regulations were against the spirit of the Constitution and would have deprived meritorious students from the general category of their rights.”
She urged the central government to review the regulations and ensure any reservation policy in higher education is “fair and balanced.”
Legal Proceedings
The stay was issued following multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the UGC regulations. The court has issued notices and given a four-week deadline for official responses.
