The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to disclose the action taken against officials of Gautam Buddha University, Noida, including its former Vice-Chancellor, for failing to ensure an audit of the institution’s accounts since 2020.
Justice Vikram D Chauhan, in an order dated October 27, described the absence of financial audits for five years as a serious lapse and sought an explanation from the state government for its failure to intervene.
The Court directed the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary to submit a personal affidavit detailing the government’s response to the lapse. Alternatively, the Chief Secretary may nominate an officer not below the rank of Principal Secretary to furnish the required information.
Court Questions Government’s Inaction
The issue came before the High Court during the hearing of a bail application, when it emerged that Gautam Buddha University had not conducted an audit of its accounts since 2020.
The Court questioned why the state authorities had neither ensured regular financial scrutiny nor initiated a special audit during this period.
It observed that the government should have intervened immediately after learning of the failure. If university authorities continued to neglect their responsibilities, appropriate action should have followed against the officials concerned, including the Vice-Chancellor.
Justice Chauhan also emphasised that universities receive grants from the state and public funds, making financial accountability essential to prevent misuse of money allocated for educational purposes.
Universities Must Maintain Integrity and Transparency
Highlighting the responsibilities of educational institutions, the Court observed that universities shape the country’s future and must function with the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
“The Universities and educational institutions are cradle of civilisation and deal with students, who are the future of this Country. Such institutions are required to be run with impeccable integrity and transparency,” the Court stated.
The Court further noted that Vice-Chancellors and Registrars have a legal responsibility to ensure proper university administration and maintain public confidence in these institutions.
It expressed concern that Gautam Buddha University had continued without an audit for five years despite the importance of financial oversight.
New Vice-Chancellor Sought Comprehensive Audit
During the proceedings, the Court was informed that the university’s newly appointed Vice-Chancellor had written to the state government on February 11, 2026, requesting a comprehensive examination of its accounts, including a forensic audit.
The audit process was stated to be underway.
Counsel representing the university also acknowledged that its accounts should be audited annually.
Chief Secretary Asked to Disclose Action Against Officials
The High Court has sought specific information regarding the action taken against university officers responsible for the failure to conduct audits during the past five years.
The government must also explain why neither a regular audit nor a special audit was undertaken since 2020.
Additionally, the Court directed the state to disclose the procedures established for taking immediate action against university officials who fail to discharge their duties.
The government has been asked to place on record any orders issued to Gautam Buddha University concerning the audit of its accounts since 2020.
The required information must be submitted through an affidavit before the next hearing.
The Court warned that failure to comply with these directions would require the personal appearance of the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary on the next date.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 2.
