Navi Mumbai: A judicial magistrate court in Navi Mumbai has ordered legal proceedings against the principal and director of Agnel School of Law, Vashi, due to allegations of improper fee overcharging. The complaint stems from a former student asserting that the institution collected Rs. 8,000 annually over the approved fee, totaling Rs. 24,000 from 2020 to 2023.
The sanctioned fee was Rs. 24,030 annually, yet the college charged Rs. 32,030. After unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter with Dr. Rajesh Sakhare and Dr. Ambrish Patnigere, the complainant approached the Vashi Police and subsequently pursued legal action according to report by TOI.
The college's advocate contended that the dispute is civil and lies under the jurisdiction of the Fee Regulatory Authority, questioning the legitimacy of the complainant's standing. They submitted a compliance report to the FRA and referenced state legislation in their defense.
However, the magistrate found sufficient evidence to warrant further investigation, indicating that both civil and criminal liabilities could be relevant, and refuted claims that a civil remedy precluded criminal complaints.
The magistrate underscored the importance of ethical standards in legal education, remarking on the implications of dishonesty by a law school. The court has re-registered the case as a criminal matter.
Last year, the Social Justice and Special Assessment department previously registered a case against this college for collecting unauthorised development fees from 762 scheduled caste students from 2015 to 2021, amounting to Rs. 5.20 lakhs. An investigation confirmed these claims, leading to legal action by the Vashi police following a complaint from the Ambedkar Student Association. The police have stated they are actively investigating both cases.
