In Maharashtra, ILS Pune was directed to refund excess fees to a student

Recently, the Department of Higher Education in Maharashtra directed the Indian Law Society Law College in Pune to refund excess fees collected from a student. As per the government directive, the college is required to refund ₹1,04,863 to the specific student in question. This decision follows a student's complaint, information obtained through RTI requests, and a legal process that finally reached the courts. The matter has now emerged as a focal point of a broader discussion regarding students' rights and the fee structures of private educational institutions.

We are writing about this issue today because many students and parents remain unaware that it is indeed possible to wage a legal and administrative battle against the collection of excess fees. This incident demonstrates that justice can be secured through accurate information, patience, and by filing complaints in strict agreement with established regulations. In my view, this constitutes not only a victory for a single student but a significant message for thousands of students.

The central figure in this case is a student named Mayur Garud. This student raised questions regarding various fees charged by the college and filed an RTI application to look for information. The response to that RTI revealed that the college was collecting excessive fees from students under various heads.

According to the RTI data, the college was already receiving financial assistance from both the State Government and the University Grants Commission. Despite this, allegations surfaced that excessive fees were still being collected from students under various categories. Furthermore, it was revealed that the college also has unutilized funds.

Student Mayur Garud lodged a protest against the collection of excessive fees. Subsequently, the college administration issued him a show-cause notice. This incident later became a subject of public discussion, as many consider it a form of pressure applied against a student for raising legitimate questions.

The matter was subsequently taken to the Bombay High Court. Following a writ petition filed by the student, the court agreed to hear the case. Immediately thereafter, the Department of Education issued a directive to the college to refund the money.

The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) of the Government of Maharashtra has issued a letter to the college authorities, directing them to refund the excess fees collected from the concerned student, amounting to a total of ₹1,04,863. Additionally, the college has been instructed to submit a compliance report.