Allahabad High Court stays UP government notification raising MBBS fees

The Allahabad High Court recently stayed a notification issued by the Uttar Pradesh government by which it raised the fees for MBBS course to 14.14 lakh with effect from academic year 2024-25.

Justice Chandra Dhari Singh stayed the notification dated July 5 by which the tuition fees for MBBS course was increased from ₹11.78 lakh to ₹14.14 lakh.

"I am of the view that matter requires consideration. All the respondents are represented by their respective counsel. They are directed to file short counter affidavits within two weeks. Rejoinder affidavit, if any, be filed within one week thereafter. Put up on 17.09.2025 as fresh. Till then the operation of the impugned notification dated 05.07.2025, shall be kept in abeyance," the Court directed.

The order was passed on a plea filed by the 240 MBBS students challenging the July 5 notification.

It was argued that the hike was arbitrary, contrary to Section 10 of the UP Private Professional Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admission and Fixation of Fee) Act of 2006 and was imposed mid-session despite an earlier increase in miscellaneous charges.

The petitioners claimed they were admitted based on the fee structure given in the original brochure and the sudden second increase within eight months caused undue financial hardship.

It was also alleged that the fee regulatory committee acted only on a court order obtained by the institution, without fully considering the matter.

The State opposed the plea, asserting that the fee enhancement was lawfully approved by the Governor upon the committee’s recommendation and that the committee was duly constituted as per Section 4 of the 2006 Act.

The Court opined that the matter requires consideration and directed the State and other respondents to file counter-affidavits within two weeks. It also stayed the operation of the notification until the next hearing on September 17.

Advocate Nipun Singh and Sumit Suri appeared for the petitioners.

Government counsel Santosh Kumar Singh appeared for the State.

[Read Order]