Telangana High Court To Examine Authority Of Osmania University's VC To Reduce Fees Of Affiliated Colleges

A recent petition filed in the Telangana High Court has questioned the authority of Osmania University's Vice Chancellor to reduce fees for affiliated colleges.

The case, brought forward by Koradala Naresh representing the Telangana Private Degree College Management Association, challenges the University's decision to lower the "Other Fee" from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 7,500 for the academic year 2024-25.

Justice T. Vinod Kumar issued notices to the respondents in a preliminary hearing, including the State's Higher Education department and Osmania University officials.

The court's initial observations highlight the core dispute: whether the Vice-Chancellor has the authority to reduce fees that were previously established by a University ordinance.

The petitioner argues that the fee reduction, communicated through a June 18, 2024 letter, contradicts Ordinance XXXVII of 2016 and the Telangana Universities Act, 1991. They contend that the University's Executive Council only can make such changes, not the Vice-Chancellor that too unilaterally.

However, the respondents present a different perspective. They argue that the fee reduction is a consequence of an annual 10% increase in tuition fees for undergraduate courses, implemented from the 2023-24 academic year. This increase, they claim, was recommended by a committee constituted by Osmania University. The respondents assert that the enhanced tuition fees now covers the expenses previously addressed by the higher "Other Fee," justifying its reduction.

The court has granted time for the respondents to file their counter-affidavits, scheduling the next hearing for August 13.

Counsel for petitioners: Y. Soma Srinath Reddy

Counsel for respondents: Kalyani, C.Vani Reddy & Ch.Jagannatha Rao

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