सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने निजी विश्वविद्यालयों से विस्तृत वित्तीय व प्रवेश विवरण सार्वजनिक करने का आदेश

The Supreme Court has directed private universities across the country to place extensive financial and operational information on record, making it clear that institutions imparting higher education cannot be operated as profit-making entities.

A Bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice N.V. Anjaria, in an order passed on September 17, directed the Union Government, States and Union Territories to obtain detailed information from private universities and colleges and place the material before the Court through affidavits filed by the respective Chief Secretaries.

The Court has sought five years of audited financial records, including particulars of funds generated and utilised by the institutions, payments made to persons not directly associated with educational functions, surplus funds and investments made from such surplus.

While examining the financial affairs of private universities, the Bench clarified that such institutions may maintain a reasonable financial reserve to ensure their smooth functioning and enable appropriate remuneration of teaching and non-teaching personnel. However, the resources of an educational institution cannot be treated as a means for generating profit unrelated to its educational purpose.

The directions extend considerably beyond financial statements. Private universities have been asked to furnish details of all fees collected from students, both at the admission stage and during the duration of courses. The Court has also sought information concerning additional collections under heads such as development charges or expenses connected with special events, besides details regarding the manner in which surplus funds are utilised or invested.

The institutions will also have to disclose benefits or concessions received from the Central or State Governments, including allotment of land, statutory relaxations and other privileges extended to them.

The Court has further called for comprehensive details concerning the admission process for every course offered by the universities. The disclosures are required to identify the persons responsible for admissions, preparation of examination papers, conduct of examinations, evaluation of answer scripts and management of funds, besides specifying the role exercised by the university management in these processes.

The scrutiny will also encompass the recruitment and remuneration of teaching and non-teaching personnel. Universities have been directed to disclose their recruitment procedures, salary structures, service conditions and the manner in which remuneration is paid.

Significantly, the Court has sought course-wise information, from January 2025 onwards, concerning classes assigned to teaching staff, the number of classes actually conducted and the alternative arrangements made where classes could not be taken by the designated faculty.

The Bench has also sought information regarding grievance redressal mechanisms operating within private universities. The disclosures are to include the composition and jurisdiction of grievance committees, complaints received over the preceding three years, their outcomes and the time taken for their disposal.

For institutions running medical and other professional courses, the Court has additionally directed disclosure of details concerning attached hospitals and the nature of the relationship between the educational institution and such hospitals.

The regulatory dimension of the exercise has also been widened. Recognising and affiliating authorities have been asked to provide details of inspections conducted at universities and colleges, including information concerning the faculty and supporting staff on the basis of which recognition or affiliation was granted.

The Court has specifically sought information from professional regulatory bodies including the National Medical Commission, Dental Council of India, National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions, Indian Nursing Council, Bar Council of India, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, National Commission for Homoeopathy, Veterinary Council of India and Pharmacy Council of India. The relevant information is to cover the preceding five years.

The proceedings originated from a student’s grievance concerning Amity University, Noida, but the Supreme Court subsequently expanded the scope of scrutiny, observing that the larger public interest warranted an examination of the manner in which private universities are established, regulated and operated across the country.

The Union Government, States and Union Territories have been directed to obtain the requisite information from the concerned institutions and submit their affidavits within six weeks from September 17, 2026. The matter has been listed for further consideration on November 19, 2026.

Powered by Nyaya 247 News