State · Delhi

Section 18 of The Delhi University Act, 1922

1[18. The Court.--The Court shall be the supreme authority of the University and shall have the power to review the acts of the Executive Council and the Academic Council (save when these authorities have acted in accordance with the powers conferred upon them under this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances) and shall exercise all the powers of the University not otherwise, provided for by this Act or the Statutes.]

Summary

The Court is designated as the supreme authority of the University.
It has the power to review the actions of both the Executive Council and the Academic Council.
Its review power is restricted and does not apply when these councils act within their legally conferred powers under the Act, Statutes, or Ordinances.
The Court exercises all residual powers of the University that are not specifically assigned to other bodies by the Act or the Statutes.

Practical examples

1In August 2025, the Executive Council made a decision that exceeded its legal powers by attempting to alter admission fees without proper authorization. A member of the Court, Harish, proposed a review of this act, and the Court voted to overturn the decision under Section 18.

2In March 2026, Delhi University had to decide on a unique estate management issue that was not assigned to any specific board or council by the Act. Under Section 18, the Court stepped in to make the decision as the body holding all residual university powers.

FAQ

1. What is the status of the Court under Section 18?

The Court is the supreme authority of the University.

2. Can the Court review any decision made by the Academic Council?

No, the Court cannot review decisions where the Academic Council acted in accordance with the powers conferred upon it under the Act, Statutes, or Ordinances.

3. Who exercises the powers of the University that are not assigned to any other authority?

The Court exercises all powers of the University that are not otherwise provided for by the Act or the Statutes.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 18 of The Delhi University Act, 1922, which authority is designated as the supreme authority of the University?

Q2.Under Section 18 of The Delhi University Act, 1922, what limitation is placed on the Court's power to review the acts of the Executive Council and the Academic Council?

Q3.Under Section 18 of The Delhi University Act, 1922, who exercises the residual powers of the University that are not otherwise provided for by the Act or the Statutes?

Q4.Under Section 18 of The Delhi University Act, 1922, how do Section 18 and Section 17 interact regarding the Court's position?

17PreviousSection 17 Authorities of the University.19NextSection 19 [Omitted.].

←Section 17 Section 19→