Pune: Bombay High Court Directs State to Decide ILS Law College Fee Complaint Within 60 Days

Pune, 16th February 2026: The Bombay High Court has directed state authorities to decide a complaint filed by a student alleging illegal fee collection by ILS Law College within 60 days.

A division bench of Justice R. I. Chagla and Justice Advait M. Sethna issued the order on February 12, 2026, while hearing a writ petition filed by student and advocate Mayur Suhas Garud. The petitioner sought a direction for a refund of Rs. 1,04,863, which he alleged was unlawfully collected by the college during the academic years 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2024–25.

During the proceedings, state authorities informed the court that the complaint, pending since April 11, 2025, would be decided within two months. They also undertook to communicate the final decision to the petitioner within one week after it is issued.

Regarding disciplinary action, the college management submitted that it would not proceed with the show-cause notice dated March 24, 2025, that had been issued to the student. The management stated that the notice had not been acted upon and that no further steps would be taken in that regard. The court recorded and accepted this statement.

In view of the assurances given by the state authorities and the college, the High Court disposed of the petition without any order as to costs. The bench clarified that it had not examined the merits of the dispute and that the rights and contentions of all parties remain open.

Speaking after the hearing, the petitioner welcomed the development, saying the court’s direction and the statements recorded in proceedings marked an important step in his challenge to the alleged fee collection.

He said he pursued the issue through constitutional remedies to question what he described as unlawful fee practices and to raise awareness about legal safeguards governing such matters. He added that he raised the issue shortly before his final-year examinations, later passed with First Class results, obtained his Certificate of Practice, and has since begun legal practice, placing details of the case in the public domain to inform students of their rights and encourage lawful assertion of those rights.