Supreme Court Seeks Full Records on Private Universities; Centre, States, UGC Asked to Explain How Over 500 Institutions

Supreme Court has asked for data of more than 500 Private Universities: Centre, States, UGC Told to Explain Setup, Funding, Admissions.

Supreme Court on Monday has asked Centre, all States and Union Territories, and University Grants Commission (UGC) to place on record complete details on functioning of private and deemed universities across the country. India has more than 500 private universities, and the Bench said it wants clarity on how these institutions were set up and how they operate today.

Direction came while hearing a petition filed by a student who accused a private university of refusing to change her name on academic records. The Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and N. V. Anjaria said the case raised larger concerns and widened the scope of the proceedings.

What the Court Wants

The judges asked governments to explain the statute or State Act under which each private university was created and the year it came into existence. They also sought files on land allotments, concessions or any form of support extended by governments at the time of establishment.

The Court asked for the names of the members who run these institutions — governing councils, trustees or managing bodies — and how they were chosen. It also sought information on admissions, fees, faculty appointments, and complaint-handling systems for students and staff.

Another set of questions focused on finances. The Bench asked whether universities that claim to run on a “no profit, no loss” basis actually do so, and whether funds are being moved for purposes unrelated to education. It also sought data on salary payments to teaching and non-teaching staff.

The affidavits must be filed by the Cabinet Secretary and all Chief Secretaries, and not by lower-level officers. The UGC Chairman has also been directed to submit a personal response.

Observations From the Bench

During the hearing, the judges noted gaps between what some institutions claim and what may be happening on ground. They said many students struggle to understand how private universities are governed or funded and that governments need to explain what oversight currently exists.

The Bench added that any attempt to hold back information or provide partial data would be taken seriously. It said that if disclosures reveal financial or administrative irregularities, the Court will “take a firm view.”

Larger Context

Private universities have grown rapidly in the past decade, often filling gaps left by public institutions. The Court’s intervention now requires each of them to account for their legal status, land, finances and daily functioning. Once the affidavits come in, the Bench is expected to review the material and decide the next steps.