Maharashtra government tells Bombay High Court it will recall ILS Pune fee refund order

After the Maharashtra government agreed to recall its orders directing Indian Law Society (ILS) Law College, Pune to refund alleged excess fees, the Bombay High Court disposed off the plea filed by the college challenging the order. [Indian Law Society v. State of Maharashtra & Ors] 

During the hearing today, the State counsel informed the Court that it will formally set aside the April communications. 

A Bench of Justices RI Chagla and Advait Sethna recorded the statement and disposed of the plea.

“The additional government pleader states on instructions that the communications of April 13 and 15 2026 will be recalled and a fresh communication will be issued,” the order records.

ILS challenged the communications of April 13 and 15, 2026 which called upon the College to refund ₹1,04,863 with interest to Mayur Garud, an alumnus who alleged that the College had illegally collected ‘other’ fees under unapproved heads for the academic years 2020‑21, 2021‑22 and 2024‑25. 

The College argued that the communication was without jurisdiction, non‑speaking and based on an undisclosed, biased inquiry report used against it without considering its submissions.

The petition also claimed the three‑member committee’s report had not been supplied to the College and that no reasoned decision by the competent authority was placed on record.

ILS further stated that the action violated the High Court’s order of February 12, which required the State to take its own decision confined to refund of fees to that one complainant. 

It contended that the three-member committee decided the matter beyond that limited remit by commenting on other students and the State simply forwarded its views.

During the hearing today, the government told the Court that it would provide the College with a copy of the disputed inquiry report, grant a fresh personal hearing to all involved parties and pass a new order within four weeks.