SC directive to NAAC on objectively grading varsities

April,24,2015: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to objectively decide the grading of deemed universities within two weeks in time for admissions.

A Bench led by Justice Dipak Misra asked the Council, which accredits higher education institutions, with “utmost objectivity”.

“In our considered opinion, the NAAC shall look into the matter and will decide the issue of accreditation and proceed as per law. If the NAAC desires to consult the University Grants Commission or consider the report submitted by the UGC, it is free to do so,” the Bench, also comprising Justices R K Agrawal and Prafulla C Pant said.

The court, however, clarified that any decision taken by the NAAC would be subject to the result of the writ petition and further deliberations in the light of rules framed by the government.

A number of universities put under 'C' category by the P.N. Tandon committee formed in 2009 had approached the Supreme Court challenging their categorisation based on different fixed criteria. The UGC, however, had set up a panel for physical verification of the deemed universities.