Supreme Court slams Education Minister over logistical blunders in audit of private universities
The observations were made during the hearing of a petition filed by an Amity University student alleging harassment after she requested to change her name in university records. | Photo credit: The Hindu
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) slammed the Union Education Secretary for not complying with his earlier order directing the Center to provide logistical support to the committee assisting the court in the matter related to the audit of private universities.
A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and NV Anjaria had earlier issued a contempt notice to Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, while hearing a matter relating to the implementation of his April 20 order directing the Center to provide office space, stenographic assistance and other logistical arrangements to a panel headed by former Indian Legal Service officer RM Sharma.
“Mr Joshi, why didn’t you take this matter seriously? I didn’t expect that from a senior bureaucrat like you. Is this the way Supreme Court orders should be treated so lightly?… You have misunderstood the court and its position under the constitution,” Justice Amanullah said orally while addressing Mr Joshi, who was personally present in the courtroom.
The observations were made during the hearing of a petition filed by an Amity University student alleging harassment after she requested to change her name in university records. The court subsequently expanded the scope of the proceedings and issued all-India directions asking the states and union territories to provide details regarding the management of private universities, salaries paid to employees and the composition and method of selection of the governing bodies of such institutions.
The Supreme Court appointed the Ministry of Higher Education as the nodal ministry to facilitate the functioning of the committee headed by Mr. Sharma, which was tasked with examining the affidavits filed by states, union territories and central authorities on the administrative and regulatory framework governing private universities. The court specifically directed the ministry to ensure that adequate infrastructure and logistical support is provided to the panel.
However, on May 4, Mr. Sharma told the bench that the stenographer appointed by the committee did not have the required knowledge of English and was unable to dictate properly. In a report submitted to the Bench, he further stated that a lawyer associated with the committee assisted in writing documents while he provided secretarial support through his personal resources. The court took cognizance of the deficiencies and directed Mr. Joshi to remain personally present on the next day of hearing on May 18.
On Tuesday (May 19, 2026), Justice Amanullah questioned Mr Joshi for not providing logistical support to the committee.
“You have not shown seriousness Mr. Joshi… Mr. Sharma represents us, he is the face of the court. Is this the way he should be treated?” the judge remarked.
However, Mr. Sharma informed the Bench that in accordance with its earlier order, the relief sought has since been extended and all matters have been “ironed out”.
The Bench also took on record the latest report submitted by Mr. Sharma stating the extent of compliance by States and Union Territories with its earlier directions. Accordingly, the States and Union Territories have been given five weeks to file their responses.
The court further directed the state governments to provide details of benefits provided to private universities, including allotment of land, and details regarding the constitution of boards of trustees governing such institutions.
The Bench also asked Mr. Joshi to submit his recommendations to the court regarding the establishment, management and regulation of universities functioning under various ministries. The court ordered that the recommendations be submitted by affidavit on or before July 10.
“We request Vineet Joshi to assist and advise the court on any major issue which the court may not have noticed so far based on his experience as Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Government of India, for over a year,” the Bench observed.
On November 20, 2025, the court issued a series of directions seeking comprehensive details regarding the establishment, administration and regulatory oversight of universities operating under various ministries. States, Union Territories and University Grants Commissions have further been asked to publish their policies governing admissions and appointments.
Published – 19 May 2026 22:22 IST