Supreme Court directs UGC to Physically verify deemed universities

"Inspection means physical verification and that is our perception. If any defect is found, you (UGC) must tell them and give reasonable time to rectify,” with these words, the Supreme Court directed to conduct physical verification of deemed universities which were blacklisted by Tandom Committee.

Tandon Committee had found 44 deemed universities to be unfit to be accorded the status of deemed university. Retired Professor from AIIMS, PNTandon had listed such institutions in the ‘C’ category. However, two institutions later surrendered their deemed university tag. In addition, one institution was converted into centre of national importance, bringing the total number down to 41.

The bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Vikramajit Sen reportedly ordered that UGC complete physical verification of all 41 universities within three months. The Court also declined the suggestion of verifying universities through photographs and videography and ordered for physical verification.

The Supreme Court has ordered the UGC to file a report after the completion of verification process. Earlier, the Apex Court had asked UGC to examine the reports of deemed universities and then advise the Central Government. UGC had then set up a committee under its Vice Chairperson, H Devaraj. The committee heard all the 41 universities separately.

Show cause notices to seven such universities were issues and they were asked why they should not be de-recognized. However, the Central Government then left the question to the Supreme Court.

UGC will now have to physically visit each of the 41 universities and prepare a report about the infrastructures and faculty strength.

Live Law has covered the issue in details, more can be read here:No approval for tendon Committee report from Supreme Court; asks UGC to consider 44 Deemed Universities for afresh status.