Bogus alliances can be challenged in consumer courts: SC

In a major blow to colleges falsely claiming recognition and affiliation to reputed universities, the Supreme Court has held that such bogus claims amounts to deficiency of service under the Consumer Protection Act and aggrieved students are entitled to compensation.

The apex court passed the ruling while imposing a heavy compensation of Rs two lakh each to 11 students of the Buddhist Mission Dental College & Hospital, Bihar for misleading the students with false claims of affiliation to the Magadh University and recognition of its BDS (Bachelor of Dental Science) course to the Dental Council of India (DCI).

The compensation Rs 2 lakh would be in addition to the Rs 30,000 imposed by the National Consumer Redressal Commission, the apex court said.

"We are of the opinion that the appellant institute by giving totally misleading and false advertisement clearly misled the respondents (students) that the institute is affiliated to the Magadh University and recognised by the Dental Council of India.

"The respondents have lost their two valuable academic years which would have tremendous impact on their future career," a bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and H S Bedi observed.x