New Delhi, Jan. 9 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up several states and Union Territories for not disclosing information on private universities, as part of a sweeping audit ordered by the court two months ago, and warned of contempt proceedings against those unrepresented during the hearing. A bench of justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and N V Anjaria said, "With regard to compliance, those states which have not filed an affidavit, let an explanation be filed by the chief secretary for not filing an affidavit without seeking any extension of time." These states included Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Odisha, Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and West Bengal. States that agreed to file the affidavit by the end of the day were exempted from the order. The order further stated, "Let notice be issued to chief secretaries to explain why contempt of court proceedings be not initiated for not ensuring they are represented in court." These states and UTs included Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Daman & Diu and Chandigarh. On November 20, 2025, the court had issued sweeping directions to furnish details related to the establishment, management, and regulation of all universities under various ministries. In addition, states, Union Territories, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) were directed to submit policies on admission and recruitment, and to explain how the 'no profit, no loss' approach was being enforced. When the matter was taken up after about two months, the court noted that, instead of the cabinet secretary, the Union government's secretary of higher education had filed the affidavit, irking the judges. "We are surprised as to how the Cabinet Secretary was under a misconception. We do not expect him to be so casual," said the bench. It asked the Centre to revisit its affidavit, as the earlier order required information on medical, engineering and agricultural universities, as well as others under the administrative control of various ministries....