Serious issue: Delhi HC asks Centre, State, UGC about action taken against fake universities

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Central government, the Delhi government as well as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) to file their responses to a plea seeking CBI investigation into fake universities distributing dodgy degrees.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that the petition raised serious issues.

"While filing the affidavit, the UGC, Central government, and AICTE shall indicate as to what steps have been taken to check the issues of fake higher education institutions in their respective area. The GNCTD shall indicate the action which might have been taken after the constitution of the committee by the September 13, 2024, notification [by which a committee was constituted to check the issue of fake universities]. The affidavit shall indicate if any information has been gathered and what action has been taken to check the running of fake higher education institutions," the Court ordered.

The Bench also called upon the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma to draw the attention of Education Ministry officials to the issues raised and impress upon them to take action.

"Such a request is being made for the reason that students are attracted by such [fake] institutions, and if they pursue their courses, it would ultimately result in a waste of time, energy and resources, as they would end up getting degrees which would not make them employable," the Court observed.

The Court said it will hear the matter next in August.

The High Court was dealing with a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by advocate Shashank Deo Sudhi seeking directions to authorities to take immediate, effective and time-bound action against institutions misleading students through false claims of recognition and affiliation.

It was alleged that thousands of students have suffered academic and financial losses after enrolling in institutions that issue invalid degrees and certificates. The petitioner said that such entities continue to operate openly despite repeated public advisories issued by the UGC, warning students about “fake universities.”

According to the petition, regulatory authorities have failed to initiate strong enforcement measures, allowing many institutions to function with impunity. It further alleged that these entities use deceptive advertisements, fabricated affiliations and online platforms to attract students.