Noticing that the order upholding the Indian Institutes of Management fee cut decision was bereft of the Centre's undertaking not to interfere with its administration and providing adequate funds, the petitioners who had challenged the decision have moved the Supreme Court requesting it to put on record the Union government's promise.
The petitioners, advocate Sandeep Parikh and two members of IIM alumni, filed the application through advocate P H Parekh saying the order passed by the court on February 27 disposing of their plea did not record the undertaking given by the government.
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The application is likely to be listed for hearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice V N Kahre on Friday, Parekh told reporters.
The applicants have sought recording of two undertakings from the government - first, that the government had no intention to interfere with the autonomy of these institutions, which would become more dependant on the Centre for funds in view of the drastic cut in fees.
Secondly, the government should make it absolutely clear that as and when necessary it will make available funds to the IIMs to cope with the shortfall of funds arising from the reduction of the fee from Rs 150,000 per annum to Rs 30,000 per annum.
In case the government was not willing to expressly give these undertakings, the court should recall its order and restore the petitions for hearing on merit, they said.
Immediately after the apex court upheld the decision to cut fees, Union HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi had said: "The government never interfered with the autonomy of these institutions nor it will in future. I completely respect their autonomy."