UGC recognition not required for setting up of university: Delhi Court

A division bench of the Delhi High Court has said that recognition of the University Grant Commission (UGC) is not a pre- condition for a state government to set up an university.

New Delhi, Nov 28 : A division bench of the Delhi High Court has said that recognition of the University Grant Commission (UGC) is not a pre- condition for a state government to set up an university.

The bench comprising Justice Mukul Mudgal and Reva Khetrapal ruled while upholding an earlier decision of a single judge bench directing UGC to put the name of Amity University on the commission's list of "non-statutory recognised universities" as displayed on its website.

The Court had also granted UGC the freedom to inspect Amity's premises to satisfy itself that minimum standard of infrastructure, curriculum, eligibility for admission, and teacher's academic qualification have been met.

The petition was filed by the commission challenging the earlier order.

The UGC had refused to feature Amity University on its website's list on the ground that it was established by the Uttar Pradesh Government through a legislative enactment without the commission's prior inspection and approval.

High Court clarified that "incorporation and establishment of university is exclusive area of the state and the fact that UGC hasn't, amity didn't rob it of its right to exist as a university."

The UGC undoubtedly has the power to incorporate, determine and maintain standards.

The bench made it clear that its recognition or approval is not a sine quanon (indispensable condition) to the establishment of university.

The Noida based varsity had submitted that as a result of non- display of its name in the UGC website, it had been facing serious problems.

The institute of Charted Accountants of India and Indian nursing council also denied registration to the students of Amity University.

ANI