P&H High Court Seeks Union, Bar Council's Response On Plea Alleging That Jindal University Misrepresented 3-Yr LLB Course As Honours Degree

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought responses from the Union Government and the Bar Council of India and other authorities on a petition alleging that O.P. Jindal Global University allegedly misrepresented its 3-year LLB program as an “Honours” degree.

In a petition filed by Nipun Gupta who graduated from the O.P Jindal University submitted that the University at all times portrayed, the course in question to be LLB (Hons.) degree program whereas degree awarded to petitioner on completion was only of LLB.

Advocate Nikhil Ghai appearing for Gupta contended that All through out petitioner, had been made to believe that it is LLB (Hons.) course that has been offered, even Identity card issued to petitioner mentioned the course to be LLB (Hons.). When confronted, University has chosen to take a stand that it is due to mere typographical error in the prospectus as well as other places that degree is mentioned to be LLB (Hons.).

Considering the submissions Justice Justice Lisa Gill and Justice Pramod Goyal issued notice to Union of India, OP Jindal Global University, University Grants Commission and Bar Council of India.

The Petitioner who took admission in law course in 2022 submitted that he and his batchmates relied upon the prospectus in making their decision to join the University, and the Respondents are now estopped from contending that such a programme never existed, having induced the Petitioner through their official documents.

It was stated that various official documents and communications from O.P. Jindal Global University—including the fee schedule, offer letters, reply notes, and the institution's three-year refund policy—clearly indicated that the petitioner was enrolled in, and offered, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Honours degree.

The petitioner has alleged that throughout the three-year duration of the course, the university (respondent No. 2) never issued any official notification, circular, or communication, either to the petitioner or to his batchmates—suggesting that the course title or nomenclature had been altered. Specifically, there was no indication that the degree to be awarded would be classified simply as "LL.B." without the "Honours" designation.

The case is now listed for December 16.

Mr. Nikhil Ghai, Advocate for the petitioner.

Title: NIPUN GUPTA V/S UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

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