Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday ruled that any “deemed-to-be university” status conferred on institutions in the state will remain provisional until the court decides a writ petition filed by the Telangana government challenging key provisions of the University Grants Commission (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yarra directed the University Grants Commission to state expressly in future notifications that any fresh grant of deemed-university status is subject to the final outcome of the case.
Advocate-General A. Sudharshan Reddy, appearing for the state, argued that education falls under Entry 32 of List II (State list) in the Constitution and that the Centre lacks authority to unilaterally frame regulations for creating deemed universities. He contended the regulations allow institutes to gain deemed status without state consultation — sometimes within 60 days of applying — even if they operate from “commercial shutters.”
Counsel for the Union government and the UGC maintained that the regulations are statutory and remain valid unless struck down. After hearing both sides, the court issued the interim directions and adjourned the matter for further proceedings.
