HC directs state govt and MUHS to file affidavit

Mumbai, Jan 9 (UNI) Bombay High court today directed the state government and Maharashtra University of Health Science(MUHS) to file an affidavit within two week's time in response to a claim made by five private medical colleges in the state having deemed university status.

A division Bench comprising justice F I Rebello and Justice R V More today gave directions in response to a plea moved by the Parents Association of Medical Students (PAMSs) seeking the court's nod to restrain these colleges from claiming deemed university status as they have not been granted clearance from the competent authority.

Advocate L M Acharya, who appeared on behalf of petitioners, contended that these colleges are collecting fees more than the fees decided by Shikshan Nirdharan Committee, a committee appointed by the state government which had fixed the fee structure of the private colleges running the professional courses.

The petitioner also said that these colleges have been granted deemed university status by the University Grant Commission subject to their deaffiliation from MUHS.

He pointed out that MUHS has refused to grant deaffiliations to these colleges, therefore, they are under the preview of the state government fee structure and can not charge fee as per their choice.

On the other hand, the pre-private medical colleges run by D Y Patil trust and two colleges by Mahatma Gandhi Memorial trust have claimed that they have been given deemed university status by UGC and they are entitled to collect fee as per their choice and the state do not have any control on them.

UNI