The English and Foreign Languages University Act, 2006
🧾 Key Features of the EFLU Act, 2006
1. Objective and Purpose (Preamble and Section 4)
The primary purpose of the Act is:
To promote and disseminate English and other foreign languages.
To advance the teaching, research, and training in English and foreign languages.
To develop interdisciplinary studies related to language, literature, and culture.
To train teachers for teaching English and foreign languages at various levels.
2. Establishment and Incorporation (Section 3)
The Act provides for the establishment of a university by the name:
“The English and Foreign Languages University”.
It is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal.
It has the power to acquire, hold, and dispose of property.
It can sue and be sued in its own name.
3. Jurisdiction (Section 5)
The university has jurisdiction all over India and may establish campuses or study centers inside or outside India.
It may affiliate colleges or institutions under certain conditions.
4. Powers and Functions (Section 6)
The University can:
Provide instruction in English and foreign languages.
Organize research and training.
Award degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Establish and maintain campuses, libraries, and research centers.
Collaborate with other universities and institutions.
Publish works in the field of its specialization.
5. Authorities of the University (Section 13–22)
The key authorities include:
Court: Supreme authority for review and policy.
Executive Council: Executive authority to implement decisions.
Academic Council: Controls academic policies.
Finance Committee: Oversees financial management.
Boards of Studies: For curriculum and academic matters.
6. Officers of the University (Section 9–12)
Key officers:
Vice-Chancellor: Appointed by the President of India (Visitor) and is the chief executive officer.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Registrar
Finance Officer
Deans and Heads of Departments
The Visitor of the university is the President of India (Section 7), and s/he has the power to call for reports and intervene in exceptional circumstances.
⚖️ Important Case Law Involving EFLU
Although there are no landmark constitutional cases directly challenging the EFLU Act, 2006, or involving it in a broad legal context, some legal precedents and High Court judgments involving administrative decisions of EFLU under this Act have appeared in courts, especially relating to service law, student rights, and academic freedom. Below is a notable case:
Case: Dr. Kavitha Lankepogu v. EFLU & Others (2021)
Court: Telangana High Court
Citation: Not officially reported
Facts:
A faculty member challenged the denial of promotion under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) by EFLU.
She claimed violation of UGC Regulations and natural justice principles.
Legal Issues:
Whether EFLU followed due process in denying promotion.
Whether UGC norms, being binding, override university’s internal policies.
Held:
The High Court observed that while EFLU has autonomy under the EFLU Act, it is bound to follow UGC Regulations under Section 26 of the UGC Act, 1956.
The denial of promotion without giving proper hearing was a violation of principles of natural justice.
The Court ordered a review of the promotion application in line with UGC norms.
Relevance:
Affirms that statutory universities must comply with broader regulatory norms.
Emphasizes that university autonomy does not mean arbitrariness.
🏛️ Constitutional and Legal Significance
EFLU is a central university under Entry 63 of List I (Union List) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
It is governed by the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, in terms of academic and financial norms.
The Act reflects the Indian government's recognition of language as a strategic and academic resource, both domestically and internationally.
🔄 Amendments or Changes
As of now (as per latest available data), the EFLU Act, 2006 has not been significantly amended. However, administrative changes and regulatory circulars from UGC and the Ministry of Education may affect how the Act is implemented.
✅ Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Act Name | The English and Foreign Languages University Act, 2006 |
| Objective | To promote English and foreign languages through teaching, research, and training |
| University Type | Central University |
| Head Office | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Jurisdiction | All-India (with power to go global) |
| Key Authorities | Court, Executive Council, Academic Council |
| Regulatory Oversight | President of India (Visitor), UGC |
RELATED Blog
0 comments