The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken serious note of a long-standing fraud involving forged documents submitted by Indira Priyadarshani College, Bhopal, to secure affiliation. The court has directed the Bhopal Police Commissioner to register an FIR against the college secretary, Arif Masood, and possibly complicit government officials. It has also recommended the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to oversee the probe.
The case dates back to 2004–2005 when the college, run by Aman Education Society, first submitted a fabricated solvency certificate-a manipulated sale deed-to show ownership of a property. When caught, the college blamed external agents for the fraud. Instead of facing legal action, the college was given a chance to submit genuine documents. It then provided another sale deed from 1999, which was also found to be unregistered and forged upon verification in July 2024.
The court observed, “The Secretary of the society should have been jailed in 2004 itself for submitting a fabricated document.”
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For two decades, no action was taken by the state education department, allowing the college to operate without valid solvency proof. The court questioned why the college faced action only in 2024, hinting at possible political protection under previous administrations.
The recent push for de-affiliation began after a renewed complaint in 2024. The education department issued a show-cause notice and later directed Barkatullah University to de-affiliate the college. The college requested more time to respond, citing old records and retired staff, but the department rejected the plea and ordered de-affiliation.
Considering the interests of over 1,000 current students, the court has temporarily stayed the de-affiliation order. The college can continue operations but is barred from admitting new students without court permission.
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The court has ordered the DGP to form an SIT led by ADG Sanjiv Shami to ensure a fair and swift investigation. The SIT is expected to submit a chargesheet within three months.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 22, 2025.
Case Title: Indira Priyadarshani College Bhopal versus The State of Madhya Pradesh and Others
Case Number: Writ Petition No. 21879 of 2025
