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ILS Law College, Pune, has approached the Bombay High Court to contest a directive from Savitribai Phule Pune University that slashes student fees significantly. The college argues that the proposed 88% reduction in 'other activity fees' threatens its financial viability, while court documents raise questions regarding the usage of past collections. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on June 18.
What Happened
ILS Law College in Pune has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against a recent decision by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). The university had issued a directive recommending a substantial cut in the fee structure for students. Specifically, the university suggested reducing 'Other Activities Fees' by approximately 88%, bringing the amount down to ₹4,340 from the college's previous rate of about ₹37,000. Overall, the university proposed a 77% reduction in total student fees. The college is asking the court to allow it to maintain its previous fee structure, citing operational costs.
The Financial Conflict
The dispute centers on the balance between affordable education and the financial sustainability of the institution. The college claims that the university's recommended fee structure lacks a strong legal basis and would force the institution to operate at a significant financial loss. According to the college, this could jeopardize its ability to function effectively. By requesting to continue charging roughly ₹36,790 for 'other fees,' the management is emphasizing that these funds are necessary for their daily operations and ongoing maintenance.
Transparency and Past Collections
A critical part of this legal battle involves the historical collection of fees. Court filings have brought attention to information gathered through a Right to Information (RTI) request in 2025. This data indicated that between 2019 and 2024, the college collected approximately ₹29.6 crore under the category of 'other fees.' However, the records suggest that only about ₹4 crore of that total was actually used for student welfare activities. This disparity is likely to be a focal point in the upcoming court proceedings, as the university and the court evaluate whether the current fee levels are justified based on how the money has been spent in the past.
The Admission Process Risk
Beyond the immediate fee dispute, the college is facing uncertainty regarding the upcoming academic year. ILS Law College has asked the court for interim protection to prevent any coercive actions by the university. Their primary concern is that a failure to comply with the new fee structure could result in the college being excluded from the Common Entrance Test (CET) admission process for the 2026-27 academic year. Such an exclusion would be a significant blow to the institution's ability to enroll new students and maintain its operations.
What Investors and Stakeholders Should Track
This case highlights the ongoing tension between educational institutions and university regulators over fee caps. Observers will be looking closely at the hearing scheduled for June 18, where a bench consisting of Justices RI Chagla and Farhan Dubash is expected to address the dispute. The key outcome to monitor is whether the court grants an interim stay on the fee reduction or if it upholds the university's directive. This decision will not only affect ILS Law College's financial standing but could also set a precedent for how other private and aided institutions in the state manage their fee structures and justify their operational expenditures to regulators.