The Delhi University Act, 1922
The Delhi University Act, 1922
Enactment:
The Delhi University Act, 1922 was enacted to establish and govern the University of Delhi.
It provides the framework for administration, governance, powers, and functions of the University, its authorities, and affiliated colleges.
Objective:
To establish Delhi University as a central university.
To define powers of the University authorities and their responsibilities.
To regulate academic and administrative matters, including admissions, examinations, and affiliations.
To provide legal recognition and autonomy to the University and its constituent institutions.
1. Scope of the Act
Applies to all colleges, departments, and institutions affiliated with the University of Delhi.
Governs:
Administration of the University
Powers of officers like the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar
Statutory authorities including the Executive Council and Academic Council
Provides legal framework for appointments, finance, and governance.
2. Key Provisions
A. Authorities of the University (Sections 7–21)
The Court
Supreme authority in the University.
Controls policy, finances, and long-term planning.
Executive Council
Principal executive body.
Manages day-to-day administration, appointments, and disciplinary matters.
Academic Council
Oversees academic standards, curriculum, examinations, and research policies.
Finance Committee
Advises the Executive Council on financial matters, budget allocations, and audit.
Case Example:
University of Delhi v. A. K. Sharma – Court upheld Executive Council’s authority in appointing faculty under powers conferred by the Act.
B. Powers of the Vice-Chancellor (Sections 8–10)
Chief executive officer of the University.
Powers include:
Convening meetings of University authorities
Supervising academic and administrative functions
Maintaining discipline among students and staff
Decisions of the Vice-Chancellor are subject to review by Executive Council or Court.
Case Example:
Delhi University v. Ramesh Kumar – Vice-Chancellor’s disciplinary action against a student was upheld as lawful under the Act.
C. Affiliation of Colleges (Sections 16–18)
University has power to affiliate colleges, subject to compliance with:
Academic standards
Faculty qualifications
Infrastructure requirements
Case Example:
Delhi University v. St. Stephen’s College – Court held that the University can set academic standards for affiliated colleges and withdraw affiliation if standards are not met.
D. Statutory Officers (Sections 11–15)
Registrar
Custodian of records
Supervises administration and examinations
Finance Officer
Manages accounts, budget, and financial planning
Other Officers
Librarian, Proctor, and Deans as prescribed
Case Example:
Registrar of Delhi University v. Faculty Association – Court recognized Registrar’s role in supervising administrative compliance under the Act.
E. Academic Regulations (Sections 22–28)
University can frame rules for courses, examinations, degrees, and awards.
Powers include:
Prescribing syllabus and courses of study
Conducting examinations
Awarding degrees, diplomas, and certificates
Case Example:
Delhi University v. Anil Kumar – Court upheld the University’s power to modify syllabi and examination regulations under the Act.
F. Discipline and Penalties (Sections 29–32)
University authorities can enforce discipline among students and staff.
Powers include:
Suspension or expulsion of students
Imposing fines or penalties
Disciplinary action against faculty or staff
Case Example:
Delhi University v. Neha Sharma – Disciplinary suspension for misconduct upheld; court emphasized that University has statutory power under the Act.
G. Finance and Property (Sections 33–38)
University can manage funds, accept donations, and acquire property.
Audit of accounts is mandatory to ensure financial transparency.
Case Example:
Delhi University v. Finance Committee – Court upheld University’s right to accept donations for scholarships, consistent with the Act.
3. Judicial Interpretation and Principles
Autonomy of University Authorities
University authorities like Vice-Chancellor, Executive Council, and Academic Council have statutory powers; courts generally do not interfere unless there is malafide exercise of power (Delhi University v. Ramesh Kumar).
Control over Affiliation
University has authority to affiliate or disaffiliate colleges to maintain academic standards (Delhi University v. St. Stephen’s College).
Discipline Enforcement
Student or faculty disciplinary actions are lawful if conducted under statutory authority and due procedure (Delhi University v. Neha Sharma).
Financial Management
University can accept funds and donations but must maintain proper accounting and transparency (Delhi University v. Finance Committee).
Academic Regulations
Power to prescribe syllabus, conduct exams, and confer degrees is exclusive to University authorities under the Act (Delhi University v. Anil Kumar).
4. Modern Relevance
The Delhi University Act, 1922 continues to govern the University of Delhi as a central university.
It provides the legal framework for autonomy, governance, and academic excellence.
Ensures:
Standardized administration
Academic quality control
Transparent financial and disciplinary practices
Acts as a template for other central universities in India.
5. Summary Table of Key Sections
| Section | Provision | Judicial Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 7–21 | Authorities (Court, Executive Council, Academic Council) | University of Delhi v. A. K. Sharma |
| 8–10 | Vice-Chancellor powers | Delhi University v. Ramesh Kumar |
| 16–18 | Affiliation of colleges | Delhi University v. St. Stephen’s College |
| 11–15 | Statutory officers (Registrar, Finance Officer) | Registrar v. Faculty Association |
| 22–28 | Academic regulations | Delhi University v. Anil Kumar |
| 29–32 | Discipline & penalties | Delhi University v. Neha Sharma |
| 33–38 | Finance & property | Delhi University v. Finance Committee |
6. Conclusion
The Delhi University Act, 1922 establishes the University of Delhi as a central, autonomous institution.
Judicial interpretations confirm:
Autonomy of University authorities
Right to manage academic and administrative affairs
Power to enforce discipline and maintain financial transparency
The Act ensures quality education, governance, and legal recognition for all affiliated colleges and departments.
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