April 17, 2026

The Supreme Court has ordered a nationwide audit of all private and deemed universities in response to a student’s grievance. This sweeping directive demands sworn affidavits on their establishment, governance, regulatory approvals, and non-profit status, aiming to expose structural opacity and assess regulatory oversight. NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has ordered an unprecedented nationwide audit of all private and deemed universities, transforming a student grievance into a deep scrutiny of India’s sprawling higher education sector. In a sweeping directive, apex court has asked Centre, all states and UTs, and University Grants Commission (UGC) to submit personally sworn affidavits disclosing how these institutions were set up, who governs them, what regulatory approvals they hold, and whether they truly function on a notfor-profit basis.The move comes in response to a petition filed by a student of Amity University, Ayesha Jain, who alleged the institution harassed and barred her from attending classes after she legally changed her name. What began as a single case of administrative apathy has now turned into a judicial inquisition into the governance and financial practices of the entire private university ecosystem.Supreme Court’s focus is clear — expose the structural opacity and examine whether regulatory bodies like UGC have adequately performed their role. Past interventions show this isn’t unfamiliar terrain. In 2005, the court struck down Chhattisgarh Private Universities Act that had allowed over 100 shell institutions to operate without basic academic infrastructure. In 2009, a central review found 44 deemed universities unfit for their status due to poor academic and governance standards. In 2017, a Supreme Court verdict invalidated engineering degrees awarded via unapproved distance mode by deemed universities and barred them from conducting such courses without clear regulatory approval.This current review cuts deeper. It questions how private universities acquire land, appoint leadership, handle finances, and whether they have credible grievance redressal mechanisms. The demand for personal accountability — from chief secretaries to the UGC chairperson — signals judicial impatience with the status quo. A UGC official, on condition of anonymity, acknowledged: “There have been longstanding compliance gaps. This is a chance to restore public trust.” The official added that in the current case, the commission “in fact recommended the university to consider the name change request”.Private universities, many of which operate under different state and central laws, are rattled. “This is a sweeping brush,” said a vice chancellor of a reputed state private university. “We support transparency, but we also fear being tarred with the same brush as a few errant institutions.”Observers see timing in the court’s action. Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, intended to overhaul regulation and merge UGC, AICTE, and others under one roof, is expected in the upcoming Parliament session.“An issue concerning a private university legislated by state law is now expanded to rope in all private deemed universities governed by separate regulations under a central law. In a similar exercise, in 2017 in the case of Orissa Lift case, an issue concerning four deemed universities affected all in an irreversible manner. With HECI round the corner, it is hoped that the present issue finds a policy solution through HECI Bill,” said an academic policy expert.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Is a Key Ally, Cyprus Assures Strong Push to Finalise India–EU FTA TalksImran Khan Health Rumour: PTI Holds Sit In Outside Adiala Jail, KP CM Sohail Afridi Stages ProtestRam Madhav Challenges ‘No-Religion’ Narrative in White Collar Terror DebateAustralia Says India Is Now A Leading Global Power, Credits PM Modi For Transforming World DynamicsOusted PM Sheikh Hasina Faces Fresh Conviction as Court Awards 21-Year TermPM Modi Announces Major Move Allowing Private Players Into Nuclear Sector To Spur Advanced ReactorsExplained: Why Vikram-I Could Transform India’s Satellite Launch Market And Global Space Leadership‘Pak, Bangladesh, US…’: BJP Alleges Congress Using Foreign ‘X’ Accounts to Set India’s NarrativePakistan’s Adiala Jail Issues Statement On Imran Khan’s Health Amid Viral Death RumoursThe Indrajaal Ranger: India Unveils AI-Enabled Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle In Hyderabad123PhotostoriesFrom ‘Apne’ to ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’: Dharmendra movies you can watch on OTT platforms‘Stranger Things 5’: Meet the new cast and find out who survives the final battle‘Stranger Things’ cast: Then and now‘Stranger Things’ cast: Educational qualificationsTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From Dilip Joshi being older than Amit Bhatt to Mandar Chandwadkar leaving his Dubai job for acting; Lesser-known facts about the castGastroenterologist doctor reveals the power of eating 3 eggs everyday5 must-visit national parks in the USA that are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites5 things to do during Brahma Muhurta for 21 days to transform your lifeThe hidden skill of Metacognition: What is it and how it makes the brain work smarterFrom Jonathan to Alagba: 5 tortoises across the world with exceptionally long lifespans123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingToronto Maple LeafsAyesha CurryFuzzy ZoellerCristiano RonaldoStefon DiggsGabrielle UnionVanessa BryantReed Sheppard GirlfriendStephen CurryCandace Owens

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
The Supreme Court has ordered a nationwide audit of all private and deemed universities in response to a student’s grievance. This sweeping directive demands sworn affidavits on their establishment, governance, regulatory approvals, and non-profit status, aiming to expose structural opacity and assess regulatory oversight. NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has ordered an unprecedented nationwide audit of all private and deemed universities, transforming a student grievance into a deep scrutiny of India’s sprawling higher education sector. In a sweeping directive, apex court has asked Centre, all states and UTs, and University Grants Commission (UGC) to submit personally sworn affidavits disclosing how these institutions were set up, who governs them, what regulatory approvals they hold, and whether they truly function on a notfor-profit basis.The move comes in response to a petition filed by a student of Amity University, Ayesha Jain, who alleged the institution harassed and barred her from attending classes after she legally changed her name. What began as a single case of administrative apathy has now turned into a judicial inquisition into the governance and financial practices of the entire private university ecosystem.Supreme Court’s focus is clear — expose the structural opacity and examine whether regulatory bodies like UGC have adequately performed their role. Past interventions show this isn’t unfamiliar terrain. In 2005, the court struck down Chhattisgarh Private Universities Act that had allowed over 100 shell institutions to operate without basic academic infrastructure. In 2009, a central review found 44 deemed universities unfit for their status due to poor academic and governance standards. In 2017, a Supreme Court verdict invalidated engineering degrees awarded via unapproved distance mode by deemed universities and barred them from conducting such courses without clear regulatory approval.This current review cuts deeper. It questions how private universities acquire land, appoint leadership, handle finances, and whether they have credible grievance redressal mechanisms. The demand for personal accountability — from chief secretaries to the UGC chairperson — signals judicial impatience with the status quo. A UGC official, on condition of anonymity, acknowledged: “There have been longstanding compliance gaps. This is a chance to restore public trust.” The official added that in the current case, the commission “in fact recommended the university to consider the name change request”.Private universities, many of which operate under different state and central laws, are rattled. “This is a sweeping brush,” said a vice chancellor of a reputed state private university. “We support transparency, but we also fear being tarred with the same brush as a few errant institutions.”Observers see timing in the court’s action. Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, intended to overhaul regulation and merge UGC, AICTE, and others under one roof, is expected in the upcoming Parliament session.“An issue concerning a private university legislated by state law is now expanded to rope in all private deemed universities governed by separate regulations under a central law. In a similar exercise, in 2017 in the case of Orissa Lift case, an issue concerning four deemed universities affected all in an irreversible manner. With HECI round the corner, it is hoped that the present issue finds a policy solution through HECI Bill,” said an academic policy expert.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Is a Key Ally, Cyprus Assures Strong Push to Finalise India–EU FTA TalksImran Khan Health Rumour: PTI Holds Sit In Outside Adiala Jail, KP CM Sohail Afridi Stages ProtestRam Madhav Challenges ‘No-Religion’ Narrative in White Collar Terror DebateAustralia Says India Is Now A Leading Global Power, Credits PM Modi For Transforming World DynamicsOusted PM Sheikh Hasina Faces Fresh Conviction as Court Awards 21-Year TermPM Modi Announces Major Move Allowing Private Players Into Nuclear Sector To Spur Advanced ReactorsExplained: Why Vikram-I Could Transform India’s Satellite Launch Market And Global Space Leadership‘Pak, Bangladesh, US…’: BJP Alleges Congress Using Foreign ‘X’ Accounts to Set India’s NarrativePakistan’s Adiala Jail Issues Statement On Imran Khan’s Health Amid Viral Death RumoursThe Indrajaal Ranger: India Unveils AI-Enabled Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle In Hyderabad123PhotostoriesFrom ‘Apne’ to ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’: Dharmendra movies you can watch on OTT platforms‘Stranger Things 5’: Meet the new cast and find out who survives the final battle‘Stranger Things’ cast: Then and now‘Stranger Things’ cast: Educational qualificationsTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From Dilip Joshi being older than Amit Bhatt to Mandar Chandwadkar leaving his Dubai job for acting; Lesser-known facts about the castGastroenterologist doctor reveals the power of eating 3 eggs everyday5 must-visit national parks in the USA that are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites5 things to do during Brahma Muhurta for 21 days to transform your lifeThe hidden skill of Metacognition: What is it and how it makes the brain work smarterFrom Jonathan to Alagba: 5 tortoises across the world with exceptionally long lifespans123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingToronto Maple LeafsAyesha CurryFuzzy ZoellerCristiano RonaldoStefon DiggsGabrielle UnionVanessa BryantReed Sheppard GirlfriendStephen CurryCandace Owens


SC orders nationwide audit of all private & deemed universities

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has ordered an unprecedented nationwide audit of all private and deemed universities, transforming a student grievance into a deep scrutiny of India’s sprawling higher education sector. In a sweeping directive, apex court has asked Centre, all states and UTs, and University Grants Commission (UGC) to submit personally sworn affidavits disclosing how these institutions were set up, who governs them, what regulatory approvals they hold, and whether they truly function on a notfor-profit basis.The move comes in response to a petition filed by a student of Amity University, Ayesha Jain, who alleged the institution harassed and barred her from attending classes after she legally changed her name. What began as a single case of administrative apathy has now turned into a judicial inquisition into the governance and financial practices of the entire private university ecosystem.

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Supreme Court’s focus is clear — expose the structural opacity and examine whether regulatory bodies like UGC have adequately performed their role. Past interventions show this isn’t unfamiliar terrain. In 2005, the court struck down Chhattisgarh Private Universities Act that had allowed over 100 shell institutions to operate without basic academic infrastructure. In 2009, a central review found 44 deemed universities unfit for their status due to poor academic and governance standards. In 2017, a Supreme Court verdict invalidated engineering degrees awarded via unapproved distance mode by deemed universities and barred them from conducting such courses without clear regulatory approval.This current review cuts deeper. It questions how private universities acquire land, appoint leadership, handle finances, and whether they have credible grievance redressal mechanisms. The demand for personal accountability — from chief secretaries to the UGC chairperson — signals judicial impatience with the status quo. A UGC official, on condition of anonymity, acknowledged: “There have been longstanding compliance gaps. This is a chance to restore public trust.” The official added that in the current case, the commission “in fact recommended the university to consider the name change request”.Private universities, many of which operate under different state and central laws, are rattled. “This is a sweeping brush,” said a vice chancellor of a reputed state private university. “We support transparency, but we also fear being tarred with the same brush as a few errant institutions.”Observers see timing in the court’s action. Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, intended to overhaul regulation and merge UGC, AICTE, and others under one roof, is expected in the upcoming Parliament session.“An issue concerning a private university legislated by state law is now expanded to rope in all private deemed universities governed by separate regulations under a central law. In a similar exercise, in 2017 in the case of Orissa Lift case, an issue concerning four deemed universities affected all in an irreversible manner. With HECI round the corner, it is hoped that the present issue finds a policy solution through HECI Bill,” said an academic policy expert.





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Pingla (West Midnapore): Ballots vanish in SIR. Brushes rise in protest. Scrolls speak before assembly polls. In Bengal’s patachitra heart, democracy is being painted frame by frame – each stroke carrying a question, each refrain demanding an answer.Patachitra artists – custodians of a centuries-old storytelling tradition rooted in Ramayana and Mahabharata – are turning their craft towards a deeply personal theme: denial of their right to vote.In Naya village of West Midnapore’s Pingla block, at least 34 names have been struck off poll rolls following SIR, residents said. Naya has around 300 patachitra artists, most from Muslim families sharing the surname “Chitrakar”. More women than men feature among deleted names, residents claimed.In response, art has turned testimonial. Bahadur Chitrakar has painted eight frames tracing fear and uncertainty. One likens voters’ lives to kite strings that could snap anytime. “Elections are like festivals,” he said. “This year, sadness has taken over.”Siraj-ud-daulah Chitrakar’s scrolls revisit childhood memories – walking to polling booths with parents. “Now they are asked to prove they belong here,” he said. “Through art, we show we are Indians.”Those affected include relatives of nationally honoured artists such as Swarno Chitrakar and Anwar Chitrakar. Many had long been registered voters in booth 183 of Sabang assembly constituency.What was once mythological narrative has shifted sharply. Patachitras (long painted scrolls) and pater gan (songs sung while unfurling them) now recount hearings, documents, and rejection. “It’s a matter of concern,” said Rahim Chitrakar, treasurer of Chitrataru, a collective of artists. “At least 34 artists have been excluded post-SIR.”Sanuyar Chitrakar, 40, said his name disappeared despite extensive documentation. He linked his credentials to his father, listed in 2002 rolls, and submitted a land deed over 50 years old. “My siblings remain on the list. I don’t,” he said. Called for a hearing over a “logical discrepancy”, he produced required papers. “I even offered my passport. They said it wasn’t needed.” His name was removed after judicial scrutiny. He has approached a tribunal set up under Supreme Court directions.His daughter cleared scrutiny. He did not.Others narrated similar patterns. Anur Chitrakar said her name was missing from a list published Feb 28. Her husband, who submitted his passport, was also excluded. In Bahar Chitrakar’s family, among senior artists praised by the President, four names have been deleted.Seramuddin Chitrakar pointed to irony. A scroll that he painted depicting Ramayana scenes drew praise from PM Narendra Modi. “I don’t know why my wife’s name was deleted,” he said.Jahanara Chitrakar recounted being the only sibling left out despite identical documentation. “All five of my siblings are on the list. I am not,” she said.In Naya, where art travels by song and story, anger now flows through paint.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

Pingla (West Midnapore): Ballots vanish in SIR. Brushes rise in protest. Scrolls speak before assembly polls. In Bengal’s patachitra heart, democracy is being painted frame by frame – each stroke carrying a question, each refrain demanding an answer.Patachitra artists – custodians of a centuries-old storytelling tradition rooted in Ramayana and Mahabharata – are turning their craft towards a deeply personal theme: denial of their right to vote.In Naya village of West Midnapore’s Pingla block, at least 34 names have been struck off poll rolls following SIR, residents said. Naya has around 300 patachitra artists, most from Muslim families sharing the surname “Chitrakar”. More women than men feature among deleted names, residents claimed.In response, art has turned testimonial. Bahadur Chitrakar has painted eight frames tracing fear and uncertainty. One likens voters’ lives to kite strings that could snap anytime. “Elections are like festivals,” he said. “This year, sadness has taken over.”Siraj-ud-daulah Chitrakar’s scrolls revisit childhood memories – walking to polling booths with parents. “Now they are asked to prove they belong here,” he said. “Through art, we show we are Indians.”Those affected include relatives of nationally honoured artists such as Swarno Chitrakar and Anwar Chitrakar. Many had long been registered voters in booth 183 of Sabang assembly constituency.What was once mythological narrative has shifted sharply. Patachitras (long painted scrolls) and pater gan (songs sung while unfurling them) now recount hearings, documents, and rejection. “It’s a matter of concern,” said Rahim Chitrakar, treasurer of Chitrataru, a collective of artists. “At least 34 artists have been excluded post-SIR.”Sanuyar Chitrakar, 40, said his name disappeared despite extensive documentation. He linked his credentials to his father, listed in 2002 rolls, and submitted a land deed over 50 years old. “My siblings remain on the list. I don’t,” he said. Called for a hearing over a “logical discrepancy”, he produced required papers. “I even offered my passport. They said it wasn’t needed.” His name was removed after judicial scrutiny. He has approached a tribunal set up under Supreme Court directions.His daughter cleared scrutiny. He did not.Others narrated similar patterns. Anur Chitrakar said her name was missing from a list published Feb 28. Her husband, who submitted his passport, was also excluded. In Bahar Chitrakar’s family, among senior artists praised by the President, four names have been deleted.Seramuddin Chitrakar pointed to irony. A scroll that he painted depicting Ramayana scenes drew praise from PM Narendra Modi. “I don’t know why my wife’s name was deleted,” he said.Jahanara Chitrakar recounted being the only sibling left out despite identical documentation. “All five of my siblings are on the list. I am not,” she said.In Naya, where art travels by song and story, anger now flows through paint.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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Panel Draws Fire For Failure To Present Notification On Poll Officers Kolkata: Calcutta HC judge, Justice Krishna Rao, on Thursday slammed the Election Commission for not producing notifications indicating if assistant professors could be appointed as presiding polling officers in assembly elections. “You (EC) can appoint judges also under Section 26 (of the Representation of People Act) as polling officers… I am ready to go,” he said, giving the poll panel another opportunity to get the facts supporting its action.A group of assistant professors challenged EC’s order directing them to join as presiding officers for the Bengal elections. They argued EC, in a previous order, had said, “Group A-equivalent senior officers, including teaching staff of universities and colleges, should not be drafted for polling duties on polling station premises without specific reasons to be recorded in writing by the DEO…”Section 26 states a DEO can appoint a presiding officer for each polling station as necessary but will not appoint anyone employed by or is working for a candidate. Justice Rao, after hearing EC counsel’s arguments, said, “We can also go to the polling office… It is not a joke, every time you are changing your notification.”Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the assistant professors, said their main demand was not to be assigned the duty of a presiding officer. “There is a pool of officers; let them be assigned. Let teachers not be humiliated like this.”Highlighting the requisition was for March 19 and that the professors had come to court too late, EC counsel said, “At this stage, interfering with the entire procedure will halt the election.” To this, Justice Rao said even if it was the day before, the petition had to be decided by law. “Show me the notification by which they have been requisitioned.”When EC’s counsel pointed to an SC order appointing judicial officers for SIR, Justice Rao said, “Okay, so I am referring the matter to the SC. The order of SC is being used by EC like this.”The case will be heard again on Friday.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

Panel Draws Fire For Failure To Present Notification On Poll Officers Kolkata: Calcutta HC judge, Justice Krishna Rao, on Thursday slammed the Election Commission for not producing notifications indicating if assistant professors could be appointed as presiding polling officers in assembly elections. “You (EC) can appoint judges also under Section 26 (of the Representation of People Act) as polling officers… I am ready to go,” he said, giving the poll panel another opportunity to get the facts supporting its action.A group of assistant professors challenged EC’s order directing them to join as presiding officers for the Bengal elections. They argued EC, in a previous order, had said, “Group A-equivalent senior officers, including teaching staff of universities and colleges, should not be drafted for polling duties on polling station premises without specific reasons to be recorded in writing by the DEO…”Section 26 states a DEO can appoint a presiding officer for each polling station as necessary but will not appoint anyone employed by or is working for a candidate. Justice Rao, after hearing EC counsel’s arguments, said, “We can also go to the polling office… It is not a joke, every time you are changing your notification.”Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the assistant professors, said their main demand was not to be assigned the duty of a presiding officer. “There is a pool of officers; let them be assigned. Let teachers not be humiliated like this.”Highlighting the requisition was for March 19 and that the professors had come to court too late, EC counsel said, “At this stage, interfering with the entire procedure will halt the election.” To this, Justice Rao said even if it was the day before, the petition had to be decided by law. “Show me the notification by which they have been requisitioned.”When EC’s counsel pointed to an SC order appointing judicial officers for SIR, Justice Rao said, “Okay, so I am referring the matter to the SC. The order of SC is being used by EC like this.”The case will be heard again on Friday.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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New Delhi: Nearly a decade after declaring instant divorce through triple talaq unconstitutional and void, Supreme Court Thursday agreed to examine the validity of blatant discrimination of Muslim women in property inheritance under the 90-year-old Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act.A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi sought responses from the law and minority affairs ministries on a PIL by Lucknow-based Paulomi Pavini Shukla, who through advocate Prashant Bhushan, said the right of equal inheritance cannot be denied to 10 million Muslim women, both in intestate and testamentary succession.”The right to inherit properties is not an essential religious practice and is a civil right, which cannot discriminate between Muslim men and women.” He said he personally favoured enactment of UCC as Muslim men get the lion’s share of properties in inheritance. Muslim women cannot even write a ‘will’ to give their self-acquired properties as per their wishes. SC said, “UCC has nothing to do with religion, and its enactment is a constitutional ambition. The Special Marriage Act and Juvenile Justice Act are steps towards UCC. But these are primarily legislative exercises,” Bhusan said.Last year, SC had entertained a PIL by a Muslim woman, Sufiya P M, who is also the general secretary of an organisation ‘Ex-Muslims of Kerala’, seeking to be governed by the Indian Succession Act to escape the women-discriminatory Sharia law.In her PIL, Shukla said enactment of UCC by Uttarakhand has created another dichotomy for Muslim women, as those residing in the hill state would be entitled to an equal share in their parents’ properties, but the rest in other states would not be entitled to this treatment. SC said Shukla’s stand would get increased legitimacy if some of the women who suffered such unequal treatment joined as parties to the PIL.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

New Delhi: Nearly a decade after declaring instant divorce through triple talaq unconstitutional and void, Supreme Court Thursday agreed to examine the validity of blatant discrimination of Muslim women in property inheritance under the 90-year-old Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act.A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi sought responses from the law and minority affairs ministries on a PIL by Lucknow-based Paulomi Pavini Shukla, who through advocate Prashant Bhushan, said the right of equal inheritance cannot be denied to 10 million Muslim women, both in intestate and testamentary succession.”The right to inherit properties is not an essential religious practice and is a civil right, which cannot discriminate between Muslim men and women.” He said he personally favoured enactment of UCC as Muslim men get the lion’s share of properties in inheritance. Muslim women cannot even write a ‘will’ to give their self-acquired properties as per their wishes. SC said, “UCC has nothing to do with religion, and its enactment is a constitutional ambition. The Special Marriage Act and Juvenile Justice Act are steps towards UCC. But these are primarily legislative exercises,” Bhusan said.Last year, SC had entertained a PIL by a Muslim woman, Sufiya P M, who is also the general secretary of an organisation ‘Ex-Muslims of Kerala’, seeking to be governed by the Indian Succession Act to escape the women-discriminatory Sharia law.In her PIL, Shukla said enactment of UCC by Uttarakhand has created another dichotomy for Muslim women, as those residing in the hill state would be entitled to an equal share in their parents’ properties, but the rest in other states would not be entitled to this treatment. SC said Shukla’s stand would get increased legitimacy if some of the women who suffered such unequal treatment joined as parties to the PIL.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123PhotostoriesExclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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