Pune Law College Faces Student Backlash Over Alleged Illegal Fee Collection
Pune: A significant controversy has erupted at the city-based ILS Law College as numerous students have begun formally approaching the institution demanding refunds for what they describe as "excess fees" charged under unapproved categories. This development follows a decisive order from the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) directing the college to refund Rs 1.04 lakh to a specific student with 6% interest, explicitly stating that the amount was collected "illegally and in a non-transparent manner" under fee heads that lacked proper authorization.
DHE Order Sparks Widespread Student Action
In a letter issued on April 13, the DHE informed the college that the funds collected from petitioner Mayur Garud during the academic years spanning 2020-21 to 2024-25 as "other fees" did not possess the requisite approvals. The directorate emphasized that the recovery of these fees was executed without transparency, setting a critical precedent.
In response to this directive, over 30 students have submitted written representations to the college administration over the past two days, seeking reimbursement of fees allegedly levied beyond the structure sanctioned by the state's fee fixation mechanism. The students have cited the recent DHE order as a foundational basis for their demands, highlighting a collective grievance.
Attempts to contact college authorities via phone calls and text messages on Monday and Tuesday remained unanswered, adding to the students' frustrations.
Students Voice Concerns Over Systemic Issues
Many students expressed the belief that the issue extends far beyond an isolated case. "We have paid fees under multiple heads, which were never clearly explained or approved. After the DHE order, we realized that we may also be eligible for refunds," stated Krishna Nair, a student who has submitted an application to the DHE seeking similar directives.
Another student, who requested anonymity, told TOI, "Every year, there were additional charges under ‘other fees'. We had no option but to pay. Now that the enquiry has confirmed irregularities, the college should act and refund all affected students."
The lack of transparency has been a persistent concern among the student body. "Fee receipts would mention general heads, but the break-up was never clear. We are now formally requesting the college to clarify and return the amounts charged in excess," explained another student.
Escalation Plans and Broader Implications
Students indicated that their next steps hinge on the college authorities' response to their applications. "We have submitted our applications. Our next step depends on the college authorities' response," noted one student.
In a move to amplify their efforts, several students are planning to escalate the matter with Savitribai Phule Pune University. A joint representation is expected to be submitted on Wednesday, urging action against affiliated colleges found charging fees beyond approved limits.
Mayur Garud, whose case triggered the DHE order, revealed that a large number of students facing similar issues have approached him post-order. "More than 1,000 students from law colleges in the city have reached out to me saying they have been charged excess fees under different heads. This shows the problem is much bigger," he asserted.
Garud further disclosed, "We are in the process of preparing a joint petition to again approach the HC so that relief can be extended to all affected students, not just one individual."
Legal and Administrative Directives
In connection with Garud's case, the DHE has instructed the college to submit a compliance report to the state government, in addition to completing the refund along with 6% interest. This report will be presented before the Bombay High Court.
The directive followed a court-mandated inquiry initiated after the High Court, in its order dated February 12, instructed the state to examine Garud's complaint filed on April 11, 2025, and reach a decision within two months. The DHE enquiry concluded that multiple unauthorized fee heads were introduced and fees were collected "illegally and in a non-transparent manner." It also noted that other students might have experienced similar collections, underscoring the potential scale of the issue.
