ILS Law College Fee Controversy Intensifies with Third Day of Student Protests
The ongoing dispute over alleged unauthorized fee collection at ILS Law College in Pune escalated on Wednesday as more students came forward to submit applications seeking refunds. This marked the third consecutive day of organized protests by students who claim they were charged excess fees without proper authorization.
Growing Student Movement Demands Accountability
According to student representatives, over 15 applications were successfully submitted to the college administration during Wednesday's protest action. However, several other students reportedly returned without submitting their requests after college officials allegedly refused to accept their applications.
"We were told to come later. Some applications were not accepted. This is frustrating because we are only asking for a response based on the DHE order," said a third-year student who participated in the protest.
Krushna Sathe, an alumnus coordinating the student effort, revealed that many affected students have approached him and indicated they are considering further legal steps to seek relief for all impacted individuals. "This is not about one or two students. Many of us have paid these fees over the years. We will keep following up until there is clarity and action," emphasized another student participant.
Technical Hurdles Complicate Fee Documentation
Students have encountered significant technical obstacles in their efforts to document the alleged overcharges. One student explained, "Many of us tried to access our fee receipts through the college portal, but we could not log in. Without receipts, it becomes difficult to quantify the exact amount paid under different heads." This issue has been formally communicated to the college administration.
Official Responses and Regulatory Framework
ILS Law College issued its first official response to the growing controversy on Wednesday. Principal (additional charge) Deepa Paturkar told TOI, "We have taken note of the representations submitted by students and will respond in due course."
The regulatory backdrop for these protests stems from a Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) order dated April 13, 2026, which directed the college to refund Rs 1.04 lakh with 6% interest in a specific case where fees were found to be collected "illegally and in a non-transparent manner." This enquiry was conducted following Bombay High Court proceedings and an order dated February 12, 2026, which indicated that similar collections may have affected other students.
University and Government Authorities Promise Action
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) officials acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, with a senior official stating, "The issue raised by students is serious and appears to be genuine. The university will look into it and take appropriate steps as required."
The DHE has instructed both the college and SPPU to address student concerns on priority. A senior official explained, "Since the enquiry has already established irregularities in one case, similar complaints from other students must be examined promptly by both the college and the university."
Broader Implications for Higher Education Governance
This developing situation highlights ongoing concerns about fee transparency and accountability in higher education institutions. The student-led movement at ILS Law College represents a growing trend of organized student advocacy seeking greater institutional accountability and adherence to regulatory frameworks.
As the protests continue, all eyes remain on how the college administration, university authorities, and government regulators will respond to what students describe as systemic issues affecting multiple academic years and numerous students across different batches.
