HC seeks IKGPTU's reply on affiliations to colleges despite ban by commission

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Vice-Chancellor of IK Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU) to personally submit an affidavit, explaining the alleged non-compliance with directives issued by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP).

The direction was issued during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation plea filed by social activist Amardeep Gujral, who has accused the university of granting fresh affiliations to colleges despite the central prohibition.

According to the petition, the NCAHP issued a communication on December 9, 2024, instructing universities and state councils not to open new institutes, start additional courses, or increase student intake until the commission finalised new regulatory guidelines. The order, reiterated on June 10, 2025, required strict compliance from all academic and regulatory bodies.

The petitioner has placed documents before the court, showing that on June 30, 2025, the IKGPTU allegedly issued an affiliation order to a private institution, the Amritsar Institute of Paramedic Sciences. The petitioner claims this the move was in contradiction to the national regulator’s directives. The PIL further alleges that the affiliated colleges were asked to obtain undertakings from students acknowledging the ongoing restrictions, and that a similar disclaimer was placed within the affiliation order itself.

Gujral has argued that such decisions could adversely affect students admitted under these affiliations, as their academic credentials may not be recognised by professional councils without due approval from the commission. He claimed that students could face difficulties in securing registration and employment if the courses are not officially recognised.

In an interim observation, the High Court asked the Vice-Chancellor to clarify the circumstances leading to the issuance of fresh affiliations and specify whether students were informed in advance about the commission’s prohibitions. The court also indicated that compliance with regulatory instructions is essential to protect student interests and maintain academic accountability.

Legal experts following the case said the High Court’s direction reflects growing scrutiny over regulatory compliance in higher education. They noted that some universities in Punjab, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh Technical University, adhered to the commission’s embargo, which may place the IKGPTU in an isolated position, if the allegations are proven.

This case follows earlier litigation in which the High Court directed the IKGPTU to complete an inquiry into alleged irregular appointments within the university. The petitioner has stated that his efforts are aimed at ensuring transparency in academic administration and safeguarding the future of students enrolled in professional programmes.