Telangana High Court Demands Action Against Unauthorized Off-Campus Centre of Malla Reddy University
Court Orders Crackdown on Malla Reddy University’s Off-Campus Centre
The Telangana High Court has issued an interim directive to the State of Telangana and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to take decisive action against the off-campus centre of Malla Reddy University. This centre, known as the Center of Excellence for Commerce and Design, was established without prior approval from the state government and the UGC, violating existing regulations.
Legal Proceedings Initiated by Educational Institutions
The order came in response to a plea from the Naveena Educational Society and Prathibha Degree College. These institutions demanded the immediate closure of the unauthorized centre. The case was presided over by Justice C.V. Bhaskar Reddy, who acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and issued the directive to enforce compliance with regulatory standards.
Background and Legal Context
Previously, the Bench had issued a notice regarding this matter. However, the university representatives did not acknowledge the notice, leading the court to consider the notice as served. The Bench highlighted the petitioners’ argument that under the UGC (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003, prior approval is mandatory for setting up off-campus centres.
Petitioners’ Arguments and Court’s Observations
The petitioners contended that the off-campus centre operated in direct contravention of the UGC regulations. Despite receiving the court notice, the respondents failed to respond, prompting the court to take interim action. Justice Reddy stated:
“The petitioner argues that according to the UGC Regulations, 2003, the respondent must obtain the necessary permission to establish an off-campus centre. The respondent’s actions are contrary to these regulations. Given the absence of representation from the respondents despite the notice and the lack of permission to operate the off-campus centre, interim directions are issued to the relevant authorities to take appropriate action in compliance with the UGC Regulations, 2003.”
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
The writ petition is scheduled for further proceedings on July 24, 2024, where a counter affidavit is expected to be filed.
Case Details:
- Case Title: Naveena Educational Society vs. State of Telangana
- Case Number: WP 11043 of 2024
- Counsel for Petitioner: Soma Srinath Reddy
- Counsel for Respondents: Mehaboob Ali, SS for AICTE, and Ch. Jagannadha Rao
Conclusion
The Telangana High Court’s directive underscores the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks in the establishment and operation of educational institutions. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the future of the Malla Reddy University’s off-campus centre, setting a precedent for compliance and enforcement of educational standards in Telangana.