The Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench, on Wednesday stepped in to shield Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, from immediate police action after an FIR alleged irregularities in running law courses without valid approval. The bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Syed Qamar Hasan Rizvi made it clear that the investigation may proceed, but no coercive steps should be taken against the institution or its Registrar till further orders.'
Background
The case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered on 3rd September 2025 at Kotwali Police Station, Barabanki. The complaint accused the University of admitting students and conducting examinations for LL.B. and integrated law courses during academic years 2023–24 and 2024–25 without valid recognition from the Bar Council of India (BCI). The FIR invoked provisions of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, under sections 318(4), 338, 336(3), and 340(2).
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The Registrar of the University, who was named as petitioner no. 2, expressed apprehension that the police might arrest her or other staff in connection with the case. Through their counsel, Advocate Amit Jaiswal, the petitioners argued that the institution has been running LL.B. courses since 2013 and BA LL.B. since 2014, and any lapses in formal approvals should be addressed under educational regulations, not through criminal prosecution.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, the University produced a Bar Council of India letter dated 3rd September 2025. The document extended provisional affiliation for the academic year 2025–26 and regularized admissions made during the disputed years 2023–24 and 2024–25, provided the institution complied with rules of legal education.
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The bench took note of this and remarked that "the matter requires consideration." It emphasized that while the investigation must continue, the rights of students and university officials should not be jeopardized unnecessarily.
At the same time, the court issued a word of caution.
"It is made clear that if the officials of the University do not co-operate in the investigation, the interim protection granted today may be withdrawn," the judges warned.
They also directed the investigating agency to furnish a list of university staff required for questioning and fixed a specific date - 16th September 2025 - for their appearance before the investigating officer.
Decision
Concluding the order, the High Court directed that until the next hearing scheduled in November, no coercive steps should be taken against the University or its Registrar, provided they cooperate fully.
The court underlined that the probe must be carried out 'strictly in accordance with law' and balanced both sides by ensuring the investigation moves forward without harassment of the institution.
With this, the bench has effectively given temporary breathing space to Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University while leaving the final word on the legality of its actions to be decided after further arguments.
Case TItle:- SRM University, Barabanki through its Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Neerja Jindal and Another vs. State of U.P. through Principal Secretary, Home, Lucknow and Others
Case Number: Criminal Misc. Writ Petition No. 8631 of 2025
