New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Individuals and students from various states expressed their joy on Thursday following the Supreme Court's decision to suspend the enforcement of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. The community believes that, if enacted, these new rules could have led to significant and troubling challenges in the future.

The Supreme Court has also issued a notice to the Centre and the UGC. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi has ruled that the 2026 Regulations will remain on hold, allowing the 2012 UGC Regulations to remain in effect until further notice.

At Lucknow University, students celebrated this development by sharing sweets and voicing their relief over the apex court's interim order. Many students noted that while the stay has alleviated immediate concerns, they will continue to monitor the case closely as it unfolds in court.

One student remarked, “The news from the Supreme Court has given us temporary satisfaction, but we will be attentive to the upcoming hearings. It is essential that students' voices are considered in these proceedings, as we are the ones who will be most affected by such regulations.”

Another student emphasized the necessity of the stay in preventing injustice. “This decision was absolutely correct and should have come sooner. For a long time, the Savarna community has faced injustices due to the misuse of such provisions. It is encouraging that this rule has been suspended, and ideally, it should be entirely revoked,” the student stated.

A third student expressed gratitude towards the apex court, stating, “We are incredibly thankful to the Supreme Court. We are now fully vigilant and will remain alert, not just with the current BJP government but with any future administration. Students will keep a close eye on such decisions.”

Another student from the university shared the optimistic atmosphere on campus. “I wholeheartedly welcome the Supreme Court's ruling. It's not just me; every student is filled with happiness today. We hope the government will heed our concerns, make necessary adjustments, or completely revoke the regulations,” the student said.

Similar celebrations were observed in other areas of Uttar Pradesh. In Varanasi, residents celebrated the stay by applying 'gulal' and expressing their gratitude to the Supreme Court.

A local resident commented, “I wish to express my thanks to the Supreme Court. The government's attempt to divide people through this new regulation was incorrect. The stay is a significant relief for us, and we view it as a substantial victory.”

In Basti district, locals also welcomed the court's decision, stating that it has helped avoid further social tensions.

One resident expressed, “There was a genuine risk that discrimination would escalate if these regulations were enforced. The outlook appeared quite bleak, potentially leading to societal conflicts. This stay has provided us some relief, and we are quite pleased at the moment. Regardless of the final decision, we hope it will favor the interests of the people.”

In Madhya Pradesh, students at Barkatullah University in Bhopal also conveyed their satisfaction regarding the Supreme Court's intervention.

A student shared, “We welcome this ruling. There was no necessity for this new regulation. Presently, we coexist peacefully, but if it had been put into effect, it would have caused issues. If the government intends to introduce such rules, there should be provisions that safeguard the interests of the general category.”