India
Supreme Court Orders UGC to Issue Advisories After Fake Medical College Discovered in Etah
The Supreme Court has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other regulatory authorities to issue public advisories to prevent people from falling victim to fake institutions. The order follows a case in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, where a fake medical college, styled as BS Medical College, operated from a dilapidated farmhouse in a field. The institution offered courses such as D.Pharma, B.Pharma, B.Sc. Nursing, DMLT, BMLT, BAMS, GNM and ANM, but the building had only two or three rooms and was in disrepair.
Former Indian Legal Service officer RM Sharma, who is assisting the court in an audit of private universities, brought the matter to the court’s attention after a national daily report. Police have taken action against Satender Kumar, who is said to run the institution, and three other persons. Investigations revealed that Bhagwan Das Singh Baghel, an illiterate tea seller, is the chairman of the college. Baghel admitted to signing college documents provided by Kumar.
Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice NV Anjaria, in an order passed on Friday, noted a suggestion from Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj (appearing for the UP government) that the UGC issue an advisory to all authorities and the public not to enroll in or deal with institutions without first verifying their authenticity. The court found the suggestion useful and directed the UGC and all regulatory authorities to issue such an advisory.
The UP chief secretary has ordered an independent inquiry, and the Centre, represented by ASG Archana Pathak Dave, has written to the UP additional chief secretary to look into the matter. The court directed the Centre to communicate its order to all regulatory bodies and monitor compliance.
The Supreme Court’s involvement in auditing private universities began in a case where a student alleged harassment by a private university when she sought to change her name in the university records. The court appointed Sharma to examine affidavits filed by states and union territories and make recommendations. Last month, the court directed regulatory authorities such as the National Medical Council, National Dental Council, Indian Nursing Council, Commission for Allied and Healthcare Providers, Bar Council of India, Pharmacy Council, Veterinary Council and National Commission for Indian System of Medicine to provide details of their inspections, faculty databases and supporting staff.
The bench emphasized that private universities should serve a public purpose rather than operate for profit. It sought audited accounts from all private universities to determine how surplus income is used, employee payments and fee structures. The court also requested information on admission procedures, recruitment processes, teaching hours and actual classes taught. The matter will be heard next on November 19.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Supreme Court order regarding the fake medical college in Etah?
The Supreme Court directed the UGC and other regulatory authorities to issue public advisories to prevent people from falling victim to fake institutions.
Who was the chairman of the fake college?
Bhagwan Das Singh Baghel, an illiterate tea seller, was the chairman of the college.
Who is assisting the court in auditing private universities?
Former Indian Legal Service officer RM Sharma is assisting the court in an audit of private universities.