The Supreme Court has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other regulatory authorities to issue public advisories warning people against taking admission to educational institutions without verifying their authenticity. The direction followed a report about a purported medical college operating from a dilapidated farmhouse in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district.
A bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice N.V. Anjaria passed the order on October 9, 2026.
Background
The Court was considering an application concerning the functioning of educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, in Ayesha Jain v. Amity University, Noida & Ors.
During the proceedings, the bench took note of a September 1 report published by The Indian Express about the purported medical college in Mahmoodpur Nagaria village, Etah. According to the material placed before the Court, the institution claimed to offer courses including B.Pharma, B.Sc. Nursing, BAMS, GNM and ANM.
The order described the premises as an old, poorly maintained structure comprising two or three rooms in the middle of a field. It also recorded that Bhagwan Das Singh Baghel, described as an illiterate tea seller, had been shown as the institution’s chairman.
The Court noted that he had admitted signing college documents provided by Satender Kumar, who was stated to be running the institution. Local police had reportedly taken action against Kumar and three other persons.
Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj informed the bench that the police investigation had progressed substantially and that the State intended to take the matter to its logical conclusion. The Court was also informed that Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Secretary had ordered an independent inquiry.
The bench appreciated the State’s prompt response and emphasised the importance of exposing the alleged fraud and preventing similar incidents.
The Court observed:
“We find the suggestion to be useful and accordingly, a direction is issued to the UGC and all the regulatory authorities to issue such public advisory to act accordingly.”
The Supreme Court directed the UGC and all regulatory authorities to issue public advisories cautioning people against dealing with educational institutions without first verifying their authenticity. It also directed the Union Government to monitor compliance with these directions.
The matter was listed for further hearing on November 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
