Punjab and Haryana High Court Orders Inquiry into Unauthorized Degree Courses in Haryana
State Officials Face Scrutiny for Admitting Students Without Necessary NCTE Approval
In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a strong stance against the unauthorized commencement of degree courses in Haryana, directing an inquiry into the matter. The case involves the State Institute of Advanced Studies in Teacher Education (SIASTE), where students were admitted to B.A./B.Ed. programs without obtaining the requisite permissions from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
The judgment, delivered by Justices Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Rohit Kapoor, highlights a systemic failure on the part of Haryana state officials. The court found that the state's application to NCTE for running courses at two newly established institutions in Kurukshetra and Gurugram was incomplete and lacked necessary details. Despite this, the state proceeded to admit students, a move criticized by the court as a clear dereliction of duty.
The issue traces back to 2019 when the state sought permission from NCTE to expand its educational programs. However, the applications submitted were found deficient, with the state failing to provide essential details. NCTE, citing regulatory norms, refused to grant retrospective approval for the courses that had already commenced.
The court's judgment underscores the importance of adhering to regulatory processes and the implications of bypassing such protocols. It noted that the actions of the state officials have jeopardized the careers of many students, warranting a thorough investigation into the matter.
In response to the findings, the High Court has directed the Chief Secretary of Haryana to conduct an inquiry to identify the officers responsible for the oversight. The court has also instructed the Chief Secretary to propose measures to address the situation and ensure compensation for the affected students.
The case has been adjourned to November 20, 2025, by which time the court expects a detailed affidavit from the Chief Secretary, outlining the steps taken to rectify the issue and hold the responsible parties accountable.
This judgment serves as a reminder of the critical role of regulatory bodies like NCTE in maintaining educational standards and the consequences of administrative negligence. As the inquiry unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring justice for the students and reinforcing the importance of compliance with educational norms.
Bottom Line:
State's failure to obtain due permission from NCTE for initiating degree courses at new institutions - Unauthorized admission of students without requisite permissions leads to dereliction of duty on part of State officials - Court directs inquiry to determine responsibility of concerned officers and compensation for affected students.
Statutory provision(s): National Council for Teacher Education (Recognition Norms and Procedure) Regulations, 2014 Regulation 7
Kapil Nath v. Union of India, (Punjab And Haryana)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2796125
