Universities Should Follow UGC Rules, Clarifies Supreme Court

On April 25, 2017, the Supreme Court stated that the University Grants Commission would become useless if its rules and regulations are not properly followed by universities. The apex court gave this statement while hearing a string of cases filed by various educational institutions that sought exemption from the UGC guidelines.

Chief Justice of India or CJI J.S. Khekar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud gave their opinion on the UGC guidelines. A petition filed by Integral University, Lucknow came to hearing on April 25, 2017.

The varsity challenged the order of the High Court that resulted in the ousting of Vice-Chancellor of Integral University. The University Grants Commission issued directions to appoint a distinguished academician as Vice-Chancellor. However, Integral University appointed a non-academician as VC.

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The varsity explained to the apex court that it was a minority institution and it is not mandatory to follow the UGC guidelines. Further, the varsity did not adopt the UGC’s regulations. However, the Supreme Court had earlier issued an order stating that adoption of UGC regulations or guidelines by universities is mandatory.

Mr. Vikas Singh, an advocate representing Integral University claimed that the varsity is not required to appoint the Vice-Chancellor, as it had not adopted UGC regulations. He further explained that the needs of the university have to conform to the regulations established during the appointment of teachers.

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However, the apex court disagreed with the argument made by Mr. Vikas Singh and clarified that the court is willing to re-look at the two-judge verdict, which gave this freedom to universities.

Justice Chandrachud said that the qualification of the head of the university would have a bearing on the standards of the institution. Therefore, the power to regulate standards is not only just restricted to teaching staff but also its head.