Wednesday, Mar 24, 2010
Chennai: The Madras High Court has extended till March 26 the interim stay of the operation of the revised approval procedure of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in respect of existing approved self-financing technical institutions.

The petitioners had submitted that by its letter of February this year, the council had revised its procedure for granting of extension of approval for technical institutions. The revised procedure did not appear to be an amendment to the regulations or a fresh set of regulations. Such a procedure had not been published in the gazette to make it effective. It was impossible to comply with the new conditions within the time frame stipulated.

In his order, Justice N. Paul Vasanthakumar said it was seen from the records that the AICTE had given an undertaking before the High Court of Kerala.

In the additional counter affidavit, the council submitted that the new norms and standards would have prospective effect.

If the existing institutions intended to start new programmes or courses, their applications for these programmes would be evaluated as per the new regulations. However, the new regulations would be fully applicable for applications seeking approval for establishment of new technical institutions.

The AICTE counsel submitted that the statement in the additional counter affidavit may be recorded. Mr. Justice Paul Vasanthakumar recorded it.

The Judge said considering the undertaking given before the High Court of Kerala and the statement in the additional counter affidavit, he was extending the interim stay already granted till March 26. The case has been posted for that date.