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Chandigarh: The Saini government is set to tighten the noose around Faridabad-based Al Falah University — under the scanner for allegedly facilitating a “white-collar terror module” — and other private universities, with the Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025. On Monday, the state Assembly passes the bill.

Higher Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda introduced the Bill in the Assembly on Friday, proposing sweeping powers for the government, including dissolution of a university’s management body and takeover of its functioning through the appointment of an administrator under exceptional circumstances.

The stringent provisions of the Bill, expected to get the Assembly’s nod tomorrow, will have a direct bearing on the functioning of Al Falah University. “The circumstances under which the government can act include grave lapses related to national security, sovereignty and integrity of India, public security, law and order, misuse of university premises for unlawful or anti-national activities, or any other serious act prejudicial to public interest,” the Bill states. In such cases, the government may order an inquiry and appoint an inquiry officer or a committee of up to five members.

Dhanda said the existing law did not empower the government to dissolve a university’s management or appoint an administrator. “A new provision was required to streamline the procedure and protect public interest,” he said.

Under the proposed legislation, the inquiry officer or committee will submit its report within 30 days and will have the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Based on the findings, the government may issue a seven-day show-cause notice and, if unsatisfied with the response, appoint an administrator for up to three years.

Other penalties include stopping admissions, imposing a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh, and phased dissolution of the university. The Bill also mandates prior government authorisation before a university can commence student enrolment and empowers the Higher Education Department to conduct annual academic and administrative audits to assess teaching, examination and research standards. With the introduction of the bill, the government’s move signals a decisive shift towards tighter regulation of private universities, particularly in cases involving national security and public interest.