Bareilly City Magistrate Resigns Over UGC Regulations and Shankaracharya Controversy, Alleges Targeted Campaign
Bareilly | January 2026
A major administrative and political stir has emerged in Uttar Pradesh after Bareilly City Magistrate and PCS officer Alankar Agnihotri announced his resignation, citing opposition to newly notified University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and alleged disrespect towards Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati.
Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service (PCS) officer, made his decision public on Monday, triggering late-night discussions within administrative circles as authorities assessed the implications of his move.
Objection to UGC Equity Regulations
At the centre of the protest are the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, notified by the UGC earlier this month. The regulations require all higher education institutions to constitute Equity Committees to address complaints related to discrimination.
As per the notified framework, these committees must include representation from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), persons with disabilities, and women.
While the UGC has described the move as a step toward inclusive education, sections of general category students and groups have criticised the rules, claiming they could lead to bias and harassment.
Agnihotri echoed these concerns, stating that the regulations unfairly place responsibility and scrutiny on general category students.
Protest Linked to Shankaracharya Incident
The officer also cited the recent controversy involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath. The religious leader was allegedly stopped by Uttar Pradesh Police from taking a ritual dip at the Triveni Sangam during Mauni Amavasya on January 18, an incident that has since escalated into a political and religious debate.
Posting photographs on social media, Agnihotri was seen holding a placard demanding rollback of the UGC rules and condemning what he described as disrespect to the Shankaracharya and Sanatan traditions. His protest messages also included calls for political boycott, intensifying the controversy.
Allegations Against the State Government
Speaking to reporters later in the day, Agnihotri said his resignation was driven by two core issues—the treatment of the Shankaracharya and the UGC regulations. He further alleged that an “anti-Brahmin campaign” was underway within the Uttar Pradesh government.
Administrative sources confirmed that while Agnihotri continued to post statements online, the state administration attempted to engage with him to de-escalate the situation.
Government Response and Status of Resignation
Bareilly Commissioner Bhupendra Chaudhary confirmed that the matter was under examination and that an official decision would be taken after due process.
Senior officials clarified that no formal resignation letter had yet been received by the state’s Appointments Department. As per service rules, a PCS officer’s resignation must be routed through official channels and accepted by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh to take effect.
Until that process is completed, Agnihotri remains bound by service conduct rules, and officials indicated that disciplinary action is under consideration.
Officer’s Background
Alankar Agnihotri hails from Kanpur and holds a BTech degree from IIT-BHU, along with a law degree. Over the years, he has served in multiple administrative roles, including Additional Municipal Commissioner in Lucknow and Deputy Collector in Etah, Balrampur, and Unnao.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Bharatiya News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
