TAPABRATA CHAKRABORTY, J.

1. The grievance sought to be ventilated through the instant public interest litigation is that various colleges and institutions in the State of West Bengal are admitting students to impart lessons in various disciplines though the said colleges and institutions are not affiliated to universities recognised by the University Grants Commission (hereinafter referred to as UGC) and the courses offered are not approved by UGC and that in spite of having full knowledge about such illegal functioning of the said institutions, the State authorities have maintained a deceptive silence and have taken no steps against the said institutions and taking advantage of such inaction, the said institutions, including the respondent nos.5 to 9 herein, are publishing advertisements seeking applications for admission in three years degree programmes in Hotel Management and other disciplines claiming to be approved by UGC (Government of India, Ministry of HRD) and recognised by State Universities.

2. Mr. Ashim Kumar Roy, learned advocate appearing for the petitioner submits that the University Grants Commissions Act, 1956 (hereinafter referred to as the UGC Act) is a