The Supreme Court has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other regulatory authorities to issue public advisories to ensure persons do not fall prey to fake institutions
These facts were brought to the court’s attention by former Indian Legal Service (ILS) officer RM Sharma, who is assisting the court in a matter concerning the audit of all private universities. ASG Nataraj informed the court that the UP chief secretary has also ordered an independent inquiry. The court directed the Centre to communicate its order to all regulatory bodies and monitor compliance with these directions.
Sharma informed the court about a report published in a national daily regarding the fake medical college pursuant to which the police have taken action against one Satender Kumar, who is said to be running the said institution, and three other persons. “We find that the same was required and that the steps taken are in the public interest so that the entire fraud on society is exposed, and based on the said inquiry, future guidelines can be issued by the UGC and all the regulatory bodies to prevent such incidents,” the court said.
The issue of auditing private universities was raised in a matter where the court was considering a case filed by a student alleging that a private university harassed her when she sought to change her name in the university records. The court had appointed Sharma to examine all affidavits filed by states and union territories and make recommendations. Last month, the court directed all regulatory authorities such as the National Medical Council, National Dental Council, Indian Nursing Council, Commission for Allied and Healthcare Providers, Bar Council of India, Pharmacy Council, Veterinary Council, and National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, among others, to furnish details of their inspection of colleges relating to affiliation along with database of entire faculty and supporting staff.
