Being Jharkhand's Prime Institution, NUSRL Needs Regular Support Of The State Govt.: Jharkhand High Court

The Bench of Chief Justice Dr. Ravi Ranjan & Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad specifically observed,

"It is high time that the State Government should think over it that for every small or big expenditure the Vice Chancellor of the University should not be compelled to move door to door."

The matter before the Court was related to the work of encircling the plot which lies on the other side of the road of the NUSRL building with a boundary wall to avoid its encroachment. This work is to be done with state's assistance

Government's submission before the Court

Filing a counter affidavit, the Government told the Court that it is very much eager for development of the NUSRL, Ranchi and has already taken steps for the same.

To demonstrate the same, it stated that provision of Rs.70 Crore has already been made and the process of releasing the sum to NUSRL has been initiated.

It was also submitted that Government is also positive for contribution in development of NUSRL, Ranchi.

Court's Views

The Court remarked that the University, like the other universities and various other National Law Universities in other States, "cannot thrive on the revenue collected through fees deposited by the students for its development and meeting the routine expenses."

The Court said,

"Like other universities, certain grants on regular basis, monthly or yearly should be given by the State of Jharkhand. For example, there is a provision in the Patna University Act regarding meeting the budgetary expenses from the consolidated fund of the State."

Importantly, the Court said,

"The State Government should come up with a policy for such type of support to the institution if it is of the opinion that this institution is beneficial for the State of Jharkhand especially when we have been informed that 50% of seats in the University has been reserved for the candidates of State of Jharkhand."

Case title - Bar Association, Jharkhand High Court v. The State of Jharkhand & Ors [W. P. (PIL) No. 2347 of 2012]

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