Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Aug 14: The state High Court (HC), on Wednesday August 11, stayed operation of a circular issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), banning use of the word ‘University’ by the Manipal Group of Educational Institutions. This order was passed by Justice S Abdul Nazeer, while considering a petition filed by Manipal University, questioning the maintainability of the UGC order.

The UGC had asked the Manipal Group not to used the word, ‘university’ in its name, as there were certain objections against the use of this word, after the group colleges under the management of Manipal Group was granted ‘deemed’ status.

The university argued that it was one of the biggest universities with two world-renowned medical colleges in Mangalore and Udupi, which have been given B+ rating by National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It also claimed that over 25,000 students study in various colleges under the university, and that its students have earned name and fame all over the world.  It drew the attention of the court to the fact that it was granted the deemed status in 1993, and that it was permitted to be called ‘university’ in 2006. It felt that deleting the world, ‘university’ from its name will give wrong signals to the students and damages its reputation.

The court, after considering the arguments, ordered issuance of notices to the union and state governments, and adjourned hearing.