Supreme Court Revives Khalsa University

On 3 Oct, the Supreme Court of India (SCI) struck down the Khalsa University (Repeal) Act, 2017, thereby paving the way for the revival of Khalsa University, Amritsar. The bench, headed by Justice Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, ruled that the 2017 Act was discriminatory and violated Article 14 of the Constitution by singling out Khalsa University among 16 private universities in Panjab without any reasonable classification. The Khalsa University, initially established under the Punjab Private Universities Policy, 2010, faced complications after a change in the state govt. in 2017, leading to the repeal Act. The Khalsa University and the Khalsa Society had challenged the repeal, arguing that it was politically motivated by the then INC CM Captain Amarinder Singh’s opposition to the university’s establishment, aiming to protect the heritage character of the historic Khalsa College established in 1892. The SCI found that the 2017 Act lacked substantial justification and was arbitrarily targeting Khalsa University, thereby falling under manifest arbitrariness. The ruling overturned a previous decision by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had dismissed the university’s plea. The SCI’s decision not only reinstates Khalsa University but also underscores the judiciary’s role in preventing arbitrary and discriminatory legislative actions. Khalsa College will continue its affiliation with Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), ensuring that the Sikh heritage and legacy of the historic institution remain intact while allowing Khalsa University to operate independently and offer modern, job-oriented courses.