India, April 9 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday began hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) raising concerns of transparency and fairness in the process of assessment and grading of higher educational institutions conducted by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), a development that came against the backdrop of an ongoing probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into bribery allegations against the body's officials.

"We wish to go deep into the matter and know how it (NAAC) is functioning," a bench headed by justice PS Narasimha said as it issued notice on a petition filed by Delhi-based non-governmental organisation Nostro Destino Foundation.

The foundation, represented by senior advocate Shoeb Alam ...