In Brief
One hundred fifty students challenged fees exceeding ₹5.54 lakhs annually imposed by Annamalai University for medical courses. The High Court dismissed the challenge, holding that a statutory requirement under the Tamil Nadu Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Collection of Capitation Fee) Act, 1992, did not apply without Government notification. The Supreme Court reversed, holding that the 1992 Act automatically applies to institutions awarding degrees by State Universities without requiring notification. For medical and engineering courses, the statutory Committee on Fixation of Fee must determine fees—not the University unilaterally. Estoppel cannot override express legislative protection. The appeals were allowed and the matter was referred to the Committee.
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