New Delhi: The Supreme Court directed the Union government, all States and Union Territories, and the University Grants Commission to disclose how private universities in India were created and how they are monitored. The order came while hearing a petition filed by 23 year old student Ayesha Jain, who said that Amity University harassed her after she changed her name to a Muslim name.
The Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and NV Anjaria said the issue involved public interest. The judges asked governments to explain the legal basis under which private universities were set up. They sought details on land allotments, administrative concessions and other benefits granted to these institutions. They also asked for information on the people who manage private universities and the process used to form their governing bodies.
Jain changed her name from Khushi Jain to Ayesha Jain in 2021. She completed a certificate course at Amity Finishing School under her new name and later joined an MBA programme. She said the university refused to update her records, blocked her from attending classes and stopped her from writing exams. She said she lost a year of studies due to this conduct.
She filed complaints with the UGC and the Ministry of Education although no action followed. She then approached the Supreme Court. The Court criticised the university in earlier hearings and summoned senior officials.
The Court expanded the scope of the case and asked for detailed disclosures on admissions, recruitment, compliance systems and grievance mechanisms in private universities. It warned that misrepresentation would be taken seriously. The matter will be heard again on January 8, 2026.
