Delhi High Court: UGC Cannot Restrain Universities from Admitting PhD Students
Delhi High Court: UGC Cannot Restrain Universities from Admitting Ph.D. Students
Key Highlights
1. The Verdict
The Delhi High Court has ruled that the University Grants Commission (UGC) does not have the authority under the UGC Act, 1956 or its regulations to restrain a university from admitting students to Ph.D. programmes.
2. The Case
The judgment came in response to a petition filed by Singhania University, which challenged a UGC directive debarring it from admitting students to Ph.D. programmes for five academic years (2025–26 to 2029–30).
3. Court’s Reasoning
- Justice Vikas Mahajan observed that neither the UGC Act nor the Regulations provide explicit power to debar a university from offering Ph.D. admissions.
- Section 12(j) of the Act empowers UGC only in matters of coordination, determination, and maintenance of standards in higher education, not punitive restrictions.
4. UGC Orders Quashed
The Court struck down the UGC’s order restraining Singhania University from enrolling Ph.D. candidates, as well as a public notice cautioning students and parents against taking admission in its PhD programmes.
Implications
- Relief for universities: UGC’s jurisdiction is regulatory, not punitive.
- For Ph.D. aspirants: universities retain admission rights unless otherwise barred by law.
- The ruling will shape future debates on UGC’s regulatory scope.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s ruling establishes a vital precedent: UGC cannot exceed its statutory mandate by imposing prohibitory orders on universities regarding Ph.D. admissions. Universities and research scholars should continue to monitor both compliance requirements and judicial interpretations in this evolving policy space.
References
• LiveLaw: UGC Can’t Debar University From Enrolling Ph.D. Students Under UGC Act Or Regulations: Delhi High Court. (Read More)
• LiveHindustan (Hindi): Ph.D.- UGC can’t debar a university from taking Ph.D. admission under UGC Act regulations, says Delhi HC. (Read More)