No Private University To Operate As A Profit-Making Institution: Supreme Court’s Recent Order

The Supreme Court vide its recent order dated September 17, 2026 (“Order”) in the matter of Ayesha Jain v. Amity University, Noida & Ors., [W.P. (C) No. 531/2025] came down heavily on the manner of operation of universities and issued a series of stringent directions requiring greater disclosure by universities, including with respect to their finances, admissions, staffing, grievance redressal and regulatory compliance.

Background

The proceedings in Ayesha Jain v. Amity University, Noida & Ors. initially arose from a dispute concerning the petitioner’s request for change of name at Amity University. The matter subsequently assumed wider significance when, by order dated November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court directed a nationwide enquiry into private/non-government/deemed-to-be universities.¹ The Court thereafter sought affidavits and detailed information from the Union Government, States, Union Territories, the University Grants Commission and other authorities, and continued to