The Supreme Court on October 9 directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and all other regulatory bodies to issue a public advisory cautioning students and the general public against dealing with unverified educational institutions, following the exposure of a fraudulent medical college operating from a dilapidated farmhouse in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district. A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and N.V. Anjaria emphasised the need for swift preventive measures after an Indian Express report revealed that the institution purported to offer courses including D.Pharma, B.Pharma, B.Sc. Nursing, DMLT, BMLT, BAMS, GNM, and ANM from a crumbling two- or three-room structure set amid agricultural fields.

Fake Medical College in Etah Farmhouse

The court took note of the report during a hearing in a broader case concerning the functioning of educational institutions nationwide, which was originally filed against Amity University, Noida , and later expanded by the court. According to the material placed before the bench, the institution was being run by one Satender Kumar, while an illiterate tea seller, Bhagwan Das Singh Baghel, was listed as its chairman. When questioned by the local police, Baghel admitted that he regularly signed college documents provided by Kumar, though he claimed ignorance of the operation. The court recorded that the building was "an old dilapidated 2/3 rooms structure, which is in the middle of a field" and was not maintained at all.

Local police in Etah acted swiftly following the newspaper report, arresting Satender Kumar and three other individuals. Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, appearing for the State of Uttar Pradesh, informed the court that the investigation was proceeding promptly and would be taken to its logical conclusion, with the trial to be fast-tracked. He also submitted that the state's chief secretary had ordered an independent inquiry into the matter.

Illiterate Tea Seller as Chairman

The court expressed concern that an illiterate tea seller had been used as a front for the fraudulent operation. The order noted: "When questioned, [he] feigned ignorance about what was happening. However, he admitted that he regularly used to sign the College documents provided by Satender Kumar." The bench observed that such fraud not only cheated students but also undermined public trust in the education system. It recorded that the incident was "totally against public interest " and that the steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh government were in the public interest so that "the entire fraud on society is exposed."

During the hearing, Mr. Nataraj suggested that the UGC, having come to know of such activity on the ground, should issue an advisory to all authorities and institutions — and especially to the public at large — not to take admission in or deal with institutions without first verifying their authenticity.

Court Appreciates Swift Response

The Supreme Court appreciated the Uttar Pradesh government's quick response and acknowledged that such measures were required to prevent future incidents. The court said that based on the independent inquiry and the police investigation, future guidelines could be issued by the UGC and all regulatory bodies to prevent similar frauds. It also directed the Union government to monitor compliance by the regulatory authorities, with Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, appearing for the Union of India, asked to communicate the order to all regulatory bodies.

UGC Directed to Warn Public

"We find the suggestion to be useful and accordingly, a direction is issued to the UGC and all the regulatory authorities to issue such public advisory to act accordingly," the bench recorded in its order. The direction forms part of the court's ongoing inquiry into the functioning of educational institutions across India. The court also dealt with a separate matter concerning the Child Safety Monitoring Committee , originally constituted by the Delhi High Court and now transferred to the Supreme Court . Dr. R.M. Sharma, the court-appointed nominee, submitted a report in a sealed cover . The bench refrained from discussing its contents but authorised Dr. Sharma to reconstitute the committee with four additional members, effective immediately.

Ongoing Proceedings and Next Hearing

The matter has been posted for further hearing on November 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The court's direction to the UGC and other regulatory bodies marks a significant step in combating the proliferation of fake educational institutions that exploit unsuspecting students. The case, which began as a student petition against Amity University, Noida, has evolved into a nationwide examination of institutional accountability. With the UGC now mandated to issue a clear public warning, the court aims to empower students and parents to make informed decisions and hold unverified institutions accountable.