New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday sharply reprimanded several states and Union Territories for failing to comply with its directions to furnish information regarding private universities, part of a comprehensive audit ordered by the apex court nearly two months ago. The court also warned that contempt proceedings could be initiated against states and UTs that remained unrepresented or failed to comply with its orders.

A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and N V Anjaria expressed its displeasure over the delay in filing affidavits and submission of required data. The bench specifically directed that chief secretaries of non-compliant states—including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Odisha, Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal—file explanations for their failure to submit affidavits, emphasizing that no extension of time had been sought. States and UTs that agreed to submit affidavits by the end of the day were temporarily exempted from further action.

The court also noted with concern that certain states and UTs, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Daman & Diu, and Chandigarh, were unrepresented during the hearing. It directed notices to be issued to their chief secretaries to explain why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated for their failure to appear and respond.

The Supreme Court’s action is based on a petition originally filed by a student of Amity University, who alleged harassment while attempting to correct her name in official college records. The court subsequently expanded the scope of the petition to include all private universities across India, directing states, UTs, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to furnish detailed information regarding the establishment, management, and regulatory framework of these institutions.

On November 20, 2025, the apex court had issued comprehensive directions requiring universities to disclose:

• Policies on admissions and recruitment
• Details on administration and governance
• Information on how the principle of ‘no profit, no loss’ is enforced
• Data on staff composition, wages, and appointment procedures
• Administrative oversight by relevant ministries for specialized universities, such as medical, engineering, and agricultural institutions

During Thursday’s hearing, the court expressed surprise that, instead of the Cabinet Secretary, an affidavit was filed by the Union Secretary of Higher Education, contrary to the explicit directions of the court. “We are surprised as to how the Cabinet Secretary was under a misconception. We do not expect him to be so casual,” the bench remarked, urging the Centre to revisit its affidavit.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, assured the court that an application would be filed to exempt the Cabinet Secretary from appearing personally. He reiterated that “education should not be treated as an industry,” a point with which the court concurred.

The bench acknowledged the large number of petitions received from individuals regarding private universities. It was informed that around 250 petitions had been filed with credible evidence, prompting the court to emphasize the public interest nature of the audit. The judges clarified that while the court is not acting as a “headmaster admonishing states,” it expects honest and timely compliance from the concerned authorities.

For states that had appeared but failed to file affidavits, the court ordered them to submit an explanation, warning that the non-compliance order would apply immediately if responses were not received by the end of the day. The bench also made it clear that it would ensure strict accountability while stressing that the court does not intend to engage in witch-hunting, provided the authorities are transparent and cooperative.

The Supreme Court has posted the matter for January 28, 2026, indicating that it will review compliance and take necessary action, including contempt proceedings, against states and UTs that continue to ignore its orders.

The broader objective of the court’s directions is to bring transparency and accountability to the functioning of private universities in India. By directing states and UTs to provide information on governance, staff wages, selection procedures, and administrative oversight, the court aims to protect students’ rights and ensure that universities operate in accordance with regulatory standards and constitutional provisions.

Officials and legal experts note that this order highlights persistent issues with regulation of private universities, including inadequate oversight, opaque governance structures, and inconsistent compliance with statutory norms. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the importance of central and state-level accountability in maintaining the quality and integrity of higher education.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s strong reaction signals that states and UTs cannot delay compliance with judicial directives, especially in matters of public interest and student welfare. The warning of contempt proceedings reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that private universities operate transparently, while the collection of detailed information by the states, UTs, and UGC will lay the foundation for systematic audits and reforms in India’s higher education sector.

Key Highlights:

• Supreme Court reprimands several states and UTs for failure to disclose information on private universities.
• Contempt proceedings threatened against states unrepresented in court.
• Non-compliant states ordered to submit explanations through chief secretaries.
• Original petition filed by Amity University student alleging harassment.
• Court expands petition scope to include all private universities nationwide, covering governance, admissions, recruitment, wages, and regulatory compliance.
• Centre asked to revisit affidavit, as filing by Secretary of Higher Education did not meet court’s instructions.
• Court highlights public interest and student protection as key objectives of audit.
• Matter posted for January 28, 2026, with strict compliance expected.

This marks a significant step toward strengthening oversight of private universities in India and ensuring that institutions maintain transparency, fairness, and accountability for students, staff, and the public.