Delhi HC to UGC :Take the appropriate action against colleges and universities offering unspecified degrees

The University Grant Commission (UGC) has been ordered by the Delhi High Court to take the necessary legal action against universities and colleges that grant unspecified degrees as these institutions are subject to sanctions under Section 24 of the UGC Act, 1956. According to the Court, the purpose of periodically posting the specifications of degrees approved by the UGC on its website is to guarantee for all colleges and universities, as well as the students enrolled in those institutions, that degrees earned by students pursuing unspecified degree programs will not be recognized by the UGC. It is done to keep educational standards consistent.

However, the Bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the University Grants Commission to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the provisions of the UGC Act, 1956, in an order on a public interest litigation highlighting the inaction of the University Grants Commission with respect to Universities/Institutions/Colleges providing unspecified courses. Rahul Mahajan, the petitioner, asked the UGC in a plea for guidance to ensure compliance with a notification dated July 5, 2014, issued by the UGC, and related notifications to ensure uniformity in degree nomenclature, by all universities, deemed-to-be universities, colleges, and institutes.