Karnataka High Court Quashes Fee Hike by Karnataka State Law University

University Ordered to Refund Excess Fees Collected Without Legal Authority

In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court on October 25, 2025, quashed the Karnataka State Law University’s circular that had increased the registration fees for law students, declaring it invalid due to the absence of statutory backing. The judgment came in response to a series of writ petitions filed by law students challenging the fee hike implemented through the circular dated July 2, 2025.

The court, presided over by Justice R. Devdas, examined the legitimacy of the circular issued by the university which had seen the registration fees soar by 128.8%, from Rs. 3,700 to Rs. 8,580. The court found the fee increase to be without authority as it was not backed by any Statutes, Regulations, or Ordinances, which is a requirement under Section 5 of the Karnataka State Law University Act, 2009.

Senior Counsel K.G. Raghavan, representing the petitioners, argued that the fee collection lacked legal foundation as Article 265 of the Constitution stipulates that no tax or fee can be levied without legal authority. He highlighted that the university failed to demonstrate any statutory provisions that authorized the fee enhancement.

In defense, the university’s counsel contended that the Academic Council and the Vice-Chancellor had sanctioned the fee increase. They asserted that the council is empowered to make regulations regarding the fee structure, a claim the court found unsubstantiated due to the absence of specific statutes authorizing such a hike.

After reviewing the arguments, the court concluded that the university's actions were not supported by any legal mandate. Consequently, Justice Devdas ordered the quashing of the impugned circular and mandated the university to refund the excess fees collected within two months.

This judgment reinforces the principle that educational institutions must adhere strictly to statutory provisions when levying fees, ensuring that any such financial imposition is legally justified and transparent.

Bottom Line:

University cannot levy or collect fees without authority of law or enactment of Statutes, Regulations, or Ordinances as mandated under the governing Act.

Statutory provision(s): Karnataka State Law University Act, 2009 Section 5, Article 265 of the Constitution of India.

Pranava K N v. Karnataka State Law University, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2801249