What Remains Of Our Autonomy? St Xavier's College To Gujarat High Court On State's Common Admission Portal

While arguing its plea against Gujarat government's decision for admissions only through the Gujarat Common Admission Services (GCAS) system, St. Xavier's College told the High Court on Wednesday (July 1) that what will the institution get to do if its right over admission process is taken away. 

GCAS, operated by State Government's Higher Education Department, is an online admission platform developed for facilitating admissions to undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and research programs offered by participating universities and affiliated colleges across Gujarat.

When the matter was called, the counsel appearing for Gujarat University told Justice Nikhil S Kariel that four rounds of admission are already concluded. "Entire issue pertains to Common Admissions System for entire state of Gujarat. This college is autonomous institution affiliated with us. They have been an autonomous status. Even other wise this admission process will not touch their minority status".

The counsel added that the College has absolute autonomy over admissions also. He said that the portal in question was designed by the State where all students across the State can apply through a common portal. He requested that the matter be kept on Monday permitting him to place his affidavit in response to the plea. 

Meanwhile senior advocate Shalin Mehta appearing for the petitioner-College alleged that the GCAS had issued a "threat" letter wherein it was stated that "despite repeated directions and in absence of any interim relief from the high court", the College had "continued unauthorized parallel admission platform".

Mehta said that the letter stated that when no interim relief was granted to the College, "it was expected" of the College to "honour the rule of law". 

"In the circumstances, hereby we require Gujarat University, to take immediate and expeditious steps to ensure that St Xavier's College which is affiliated with Gujarat University, does not give admission outside GCAS framework. Kindly ensure that any admission given outside GCAS framework or any fees accepted, is reversed...," Mehta said reading the letter.

At this stage the court orally asked if the College had given any parallel admissions. Mehta responded that the College has opened its portal, "but we havent finalized. We can't finalize". 

"It is not their case we are not going by merit. You are even laying doing the eligibility. Everything we are complying with. But now you also say that you (College) also admit students through our platform...I'm just asking myself what is this right? What do I get to do? That also will have to be examined," he added.

The court orally said that as of now there was no threat to the College and its minority status had not been touched. It has now listed the case for July 06.

Case title: ST. XAVIERS COLLEGE v/s STATE OF GUJARAT & ORS.

R/SCA/6644/2026