Supreme Court Questions Stability of University Laws in Punjab

The Supreme Court asked the Punjab government if legislative consistency could be maintained when successive governments create and repeal laws, citing the Khalsa University case. This query arose during a plea challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling that upheld the 2017 repeal of the Khalsa University Act, 2016.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought clarity from the Punjab government about legislative stability, questioning if legal uncertainties arise when different administrations alternatively pass and repeal laws. This query emerged during a hearing about the Khalsa University case.

Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan concentrated on a plea contesting the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision, which had dismissed an earlier petition challenging the Khalsa University (Repeal) Act, 2017. The Act was initially established in 2016 and subsequently repealed by the succeeding government in 2017.

The petitioners argued that the repeal was arbitrary and violated Article 14 of the Constitution. However, Punjab's counsel defended the move, asserting the repeal was within legislative power and did not adversely affect students or faculty. The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict.

(With inputs from agencies.)