Supreme Court Seeks Details on Functioning of Private Universities Across India

The Supreme Court of India has expressed its intention to examine the functioning of private universities nationwide and has sought comprehensive details from the Union Government, as well as State and UT Governments, regarding the creation, operation, and regulatory oversight of all private and deemed-to-be universities.

The Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice N.V. Anjaria passed the order while hearing a case initiated by a student seeking a direction for Amity University to accept her official name change. The Court has now converted the matter into a public interest litigation to scrutinize the regulation of private universities.

Government and UGC Directed to Furnish Details

The Supreme Court has asked the Government to provide information regarding the background, legal provisions, benefits granted, and regulatory oversight of all private/non-government/deemed universities. The details sought include:

• Memorandum of articles, aims, and objectives of the societies or organizations managing the universities.

• Composition and selection process of apex bodies, managing committees, or boards of governors.

• Role of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in monitoring and overseeing compliance, including admissions, recruitment, and adherence to statutory or policy conditions.

Affidavit Requirements

The Court directed that affidavits must cover:

• Whether institutions function on a ‘no profit, no loss’ basis and enforcement of the same.

• Grievance redressal mechanisms for students, faculty, and staff.

• Compliance with minimum salary mandates for faculty and staff.

The Cabinet Secretary and all Chief Secretaries are to collate information from relevant ministries and departments, and the UGC Chairman will provide details under oath. The Court emphasized that any suppression or misrepresentation of facts would invite strict consequences.

Background

The original case involves Ayesha Jain, who changed her name from Khushi Jain in 2021. She enrolled in a one-year certification program in 2034 under her new name.

In 2024, while applying for an MBA at Amity University, she submitted legal documents to update her name in the university rolls. She alleged harassment for adopting a Muslim name, and the university refused to update her records, leading to failure to meet attendance requirements and loss of the academic year.

Despite approaching the Ministry of Education and the UGC, her requests went unheeded.

Court Proceedings and Compensation

The Supreme Court summoned Dr. Atul Chauhan, President of Ritnand Balved Education Foundation, and the Vice-Chancellor of Amity University, to assign responsibility for the academic loss.

The student later joined another university, and Amity University refunded her fees. The Court noted that the compensation of Rs. 1 lakh amounted to a mockery of the Court’s sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the respondents on October 14.

On November 20, 2025, the Court expanded the issue into a larger public interest litigation to examine systemic concerns regarding private universities.

Case Title: AYESHA JAIN v. AMITY UNIVERSITY, NOIDA & ORS.