Warn public about fake institutions: Supreme Court to UGC after finding fake medical college run by illiterate tea-seller

The Supreme Court has recently directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and all regulatory authorities to issue public advisories asking people to verify educational institutions before taking admission. [Ayesha Jain v. Amity University, Noida and Others].

A Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and NV Anjaria passed the direction after taking note of an Indian Express report about a fake medical college operating from a dilapidated farmhouse in Mahmoodpur Nagaria village in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government, suggested that the UGC warn the public against taking admission in or dealing with institutions without first verifying their authenticity.

The Court accepted the suggestion.

“We find the suggestion to be useful and accordingly, a direction is issued to the UGC and all the regulatory authorities to issue such public advisory to act accordingly," it said, in its October 9 order.

The Court also directed the Central government to monitor compliance with these directions by the regulatory authorities.

The order came in a case that originated from a petition filed by one Ayesha Jain (petitioner) against Amity University at Noida over the university’s handling of the change of her name in its records and the academic consequences allegedly suffered by her.

However, as the case progressed, the Court expanded its scope to examine wider issues concerning the establishment, regulation and functioning of private universities across the country.

The Court on October 9 considered an application filed by Dr RM Sharma, whom it had nominated to assist it in the matter. The application brought to the Court’s notice a September 1 newspaper report on a fake medical college that claimed to offer courses such as D Pharma, B Pharma, and B Sc Nursing, etc.

The Court noted that the local police had taken action against one Satender Kumar, who was said to be running the institution, and three others. An illiterate tea seller, Bhagwan Das Singh Baghel, was shown as its chairman, the Court noted. When questioned, Baghel reportedly claimed to be unaware of what was happening, but acknowledged that he regularly signed college documents supplied by Satender Kumar.

Appearing for the UP government, ASG KM Nataraj submitted that the police had acted promptly and made substantial progress in the investigation. He assured the Court that the investigation would be completed without undue delay and the trial would be fast-tracked.

Nataraj added that the State had taken serious note of the matter and would not tolerate such activities, which were against the public interest.

The Court was also informed that the UP Chief Secretary had ordered an independent inquiry in addition to the police investigation.

The Bench said the inquiry was necessary to expose the fraud and could provide a basis for the UGC and other regulatory bodies to issue guidelines to prevent similar incidents.

“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,” said the Court.

It also went on to appreciate the State’s response.

“We appreciate the quick response and action taken by the State of Uttar Pradesh in the matter,” the Court's order recorded.

The matter will next be heard next on November 19.

Advocate Charu Mathur appeared for the petitioner.

ASG Archana Pathak Dave appeared for the Union government.

[Read Order]