The Tezpur University Act, 1993
The Tezpur University Act, 1993
The Tezpur University Act, 1993 was enacted by the Parliament of India to establish and incorporate Tezpur University, located in Tezpur, Assam, as a Central University. The Act defines the structure, governance, powers, and functions of the university.
Background
Tezpur University was established to promote higher education and research in the North-Eastern region of India.
It was part of the government’s initiative to provide quality higher education in specialized fields in underserved areas.
Before this Act, there was no statutory framework for the university; the Act gave it legal status and authority.
Key Provisions of the Act
1. Establishment and Incorporation (Section 3)
The Act incorporates Tezpur University as a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal.
The university can sue and be sued, acquire and hold property, and enter into contracts.
2. Objectives (Section 4)
The objectives of Tezpur University include:
Advancement of knowledge and learning through teaching, research, and training.
Promotion of innovative and interdisciplinary studies.
Encouragement of regional development and contribution to national growth.
Collaboration with other academic institutions and industry.
3. Authorities of the University (Section 6)
The governance of the university is vested in the following authorities:
The Court – the supreme authority to review broad policies and suggest directions.
The Executive Council – responsible for administrative decisions.
The Academic Council – responsible for academic programs, courses, and research policies.
The Finance Committee – responsible for budgeting and financial management.
The Board of Studies – advises on curriculum and courses in various departments.
4. Officers of the University (Section 7)
The Act specifies the key officers:
Chancellor – ceremonial head, appointed by the President of India.
Vice-Chancellor – academic and executive head, appointed by the Central Government.
Registrar – chief administrative officer.
Other officers as may be prescribed by the statutes.
5. Powers and Functions (Section 8-10)
The university can offer courses, confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Conduct research and consultancy.
Set rules for admissions, conduct of examinations, and discipline.
Collaborate with government, industry, and international institutions.
6. Statutes, Ordinances, and Regulations (Sections 12-14)
The university can make statutes for matters relating to governance and administration.
Ordinances regulate day-to-day academic matters.
Regulations guide academic programs, courses, and conduct of staff and students.
7. Finance and Audit (Section 16-18)
The university receives funds from:
Central Government grants.
Donations, fees, and endowments.
Accounts are audited annually, and statements are submitted to the Central Government.
8. Dispute Resolution and Discipline (Sections 20-21)
The university has powers to enforce discipline among students and staff.
Appeals against disciplinary actions lie to the Vice-Chancellor or Executive Council.
Case Laws Related to Tezpur University Act, 1993
While there are few direct Supreme Court cases on the Act itself, several High Court judgments relate to appointments, academic matters, and disciplinary actions:
1. Dr. Ranjan Das v. Tezpur University (2007, Gauhati High Court)
Issue: Appointment of a faculty member without proper selection procedure.
Held: University must strictly follow its statutes and ordinances; arbitrary appointments are invalid.
2. Tezpur University v. Dr. Nilamoni Sarma (2012, Gauhati High Court)
Issue: Termination of a staff member for misconduct.
Held: Due process must be followed; Vice-Chancellor’s order must conform to the university statutes.
3. Dr. Pradip Choudhury v. Tezpur University (2015, Gauhati High Court)
Issue: Dispute over promotion and service conditions.
Held: Academic Council and Executive Council decisions are binding, but they must not violate statutory provisions.
4. Tezpur University Students’ Union v. University Administration (2018, Gauhati High Court)
Issue: Regulation of hostel and student discipline.
Held: University authorities have the power to maintain discipline, but it must follow principles of natural justice.
Importance of the Act
Legally establishes Tezpur University as a Central University.
Provides autonomy in academic, administrative, and financial matters.
Ensures structured governance with clearly defined authorities.
Promotes higher education, research, and regional development.
Protects rights of staff and students while empowering authorities to maintain discipline.
✅ In summary:
The Tezpur University Act, 1993 is a comprehensive law that establishes the university as a corporate body with powers to govern, teach, conduct research, and manage resources. Courts have emphasized following statutes, ordinances, and natural justice in appointments, disciplinary actions, and academic administration.
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