Shri Ram Swaroop Memorial University in Barabanki has been slapped with serious charges of cheating and forgery after allegedly running an unauthorized law course for three years, defrauding students and jeopardling widespread outrage. The Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Commission filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the university on Wednesday, accusing it of jeopardling with students' futures by admitting them to an unapproved law program.
The FIR, lodged at Barabanki city police station, cites violations under Sections 318(4) (cheating), 338 (forgery of a valuable security), 336(3) (forgery), and 340 (using forged documents as genuine) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. According to Dinesh Kumar, Additional Secretary of the Commission, the university admitted students to its law course during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic sessions and even conducted examinations without approval from the competent authority. Shockingly, registrations for the 2025-26 session were also underway, despite the lack of accreditation.
The scandal came to light following an inquiry by the Ayodhya divisional commissioner, prompted by protests on September 1 led by student groups, including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The demonstration turned violent, with police resorting to a lathicharge that left several students, including ABVP members, injured. The incident sparked sharp criticism from both Opposition parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with calls for accountability.
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Dinesh Kumar condemned the university’s actions, stating, “This is a blatant violation of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019, and a betrayal of students’ trust.” He emphasized that strict legal action has been recommended against the university’s management to prevent further exploitation.
The controversy has raised serious questions about oversight in private universities and the safeguarding of students’ academic futures. Affected students are demanding refunds and justice, while the university faces mounting pressure to address the allegations. The incident has also fueled political tensions, with opposition leaders accusing the state government of failing to regulate educational institutions effectively.
As investigations continue, the university’s reputation hangs in the balance, and students are left grappling with the uncertainty of their academic credentials. Authorities have vowed to take stringent measures to ensure such malpractices are not repeated.
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