Supreme Court relief for deemed varsities

In a huge relief to 41 deemed universities, which were sought to be de-recognised on the basis of Prof. Tandon Committee’s recommendations, the Supreme Court on Tuesday accepted the gradation of these universities by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (Naac) and which has been approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Shiva Kirti Singh, accepting the stand of the UGC that the gradation of Naac had become final, said it will come into immediate effect. The bench, however, said such of those deemed universities which who are not satisfied with the gradation given by the Naac can file an appeal seeking upgradation of their status within four weeks and the Naac shall dispose of the appeals in accordance with law within 12 weeks.

In the writ petition filed by advocate Viplav Sharma in 2006, the top court had appointed the Prof Tandon Committee to review the 126 deemed universities in the country and the panel recommended for de-recognition of 41 universities and classified the remaining DUs in A and B categories.