Bombay HC Questions Mumbai University Over Law College Affiliation Delays

The Bombay High Court on Thursday questioned the University of Mumbai over delays in processing affiliation applications of law colleges. The court observed that institutions cannot be penalised for non-compliance if the university itself fails to act within a reasonable time.

A bench of Justices Riyaz Chagla and Farhan Dubash was hearing a batch of petitions filed by law colleges challenging the University of Mumbai’s decision to reduce their student intake and impose penalties over alleged deficiencies.

The colleges argued that they had appointed teachers who met the Bar Council of India (BCI) norms, but the university had delayed granting approvals despite applications being pending since 2025. Advocate Pooja Thorat, appearing for five colleges, submitted that the university takes months to grant approvals, even if the faculty meets all the eligibility criteria.

Justice Dubash questioned whether the University of Mumbai was bound by any timeline for deciding affiliation applications. He added that timelines should apply equally to the university. The court also questioned why the university waited until July 20 to impose penalties if it had known about the alleged deficiencies since December 2025.

The bench suggested a solution under which the colleges would rectify the deficiencies within a fixed timeframe while their intake capacity is restored. Justice Chagla added that the court does not want to deprive students and colleges because admissions are ongoing.

In one petition, the court recorded Thorat’s statement that the college would pay the Rs 10 lakh penalty under protest, following which the university agreed to immediately issue a conditional affiliation certificate for 2026–27. The court also permitted the institution to submit its application to the BCI by July 31 on payment of the prescribed late fee.

The matter will be heard on August 4 after the parties file additional affidavits. The court's decision is significant as it highlights the need for the university to act within a reasonable time frame to prevent student suffering.

The University of Mumbai is one of the largest universities in the country, with a large number of law colleges affiliated to it. The delay in processing affiliation applications has caused concern among students and colleges, with many fearing that it may affect their admissions and academic sessions.

The court's suggestion of a solution to prevent student suffering is a welcome move, as it will help to restore the intake capacity of the colleges and prevent vacancies. The university's decision to impose penalties on colleges for alleged deficiencies has been questioned by the court, and it remains to be seen how the university will respond to the court's observations.

The case highlights the importance of timely action by the university in processing affiliation applications, and the need for the university to be bound by timelines. The court's decision is expected to have a significant impact on the functioning of law colleges in the state, and will be closely watched by students, colleges, and the university authorities.

The Bombay High Court's intervention in the matter is a significant development, as it will help to ensure that the university acts within a reasonable time frame to prevent student suffering. The court's observations on the need for the university to be bound by timelines are also significant, as they highlight the importance of timely action by the university in processing affiliation applications.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's decision to question the University of Mumbai over delays in processing law college affiliation applications is a significant development. The court's suggestion of a solution to prevent student suffering is a welcome move, and the university's response to the court's observations will be closely watched. The case highlights the importance of timely action by the university in processing affiliation applications, and the need for the university to be bound by timelines.