Answer By law4u team
In India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is the statutory body responsible for maintaining standards of higher education. Any university that wishes to award degrees must be recognized by the UGC. Degrees awarded without UGC approval are not legally valid and can have serious consequences for students and institutions alike.
Steps to Take If Faced With Such a Situation
Verify University Recognition: Before enrolling, students should verify if the university is recognized by the UGC via its official website (www.ugc.gov.in).
Check for Deemed or State Status: Only Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Universities established under a State Act and approved by the UGC are allowed to grant degrees.
File a Complaint: If a student discovers the degree is from an unrecognized university, they can file a complaint with the UGC or higher education regulatory bodies.
Seek Legal Advice: Victims of such fraud can approach the consumer court or file a writ petition in the High Court.
Approach the Police: In cases where institutions intentionally mislead students, FIRs can be lodged under cheating and fraud provisions of the IPC.
Legal Actions and Protections
UGC Act, 1956 – Section 22: Only institutions recognized by the UGC can award degrees. Any university functioning without UGC approval is violating the law.
Invalid Degrees: Such degrees are not accepted for government jobs, higher education, or public service exams.
Student Redressal: Affected students can file cases in education tribunals or consumer courts for refund, compensation, and justice.
Action Against Fake Universities: The UGC publishes a list of fake universities annually and initiates legal action against them.
Example
Suppose a student enrolls in a university in Delhi that claims to offer distance education degrees but is not listed on the UGC-approved universities list. After completing the degree, the student applies for a government job but is disqualified because the degree is invalid.
In this case, the student can:
File a complaint with the UGC.
Take legal action in consumer court for refund and damages.
Register a criminal complaint if the university misrepresented its status.
