MUMBAI, Feb. 3 -- The state government has begun a detailed review of private universities on the directions of the Supreme Court. It seeks to verify information submitted by these institutions regarding their land holdings, academic functioning and governance. The process follows a court order linked to a petition filed by a student from a private university near Panvel, who approached the apex court after she was denied her marksheet despite completing her course. The SC, while hearing the matter on November 20, passed a wide-ranging order in public interest. Instead of limiting the case to the university concerned, the court directed a comprehensive review of all private universities, including deemed and self-financed universities, across the country. The court later reiterated on January 8 and then on January 28, that its earlier order must be implemented soon. Following these directions, the state principal secretary of higher education issued a letter on January 30, asking for revenue and academic details from 34 private universities. The letter instructs all district collectors to submit detailed reports on land transactions relating to the 34 universities. Also the director of higher education has been directed to verify academic and administrative information submitted by the universities earlier before the Supreme Court. This includes the student-teacher ratio, fees charged, infrastructure facilities and other details. The apex court had sought affidavits from the Union government, state governments and the University Grants Commission on several issues. These include the legal basis on which private universities were established, benefits or concessions given by the government, admission and recruitment processes, financial practices, and whether institutions truly follow the "no profit, no loss" principle. District collectors and the higher education directorate have been given a deadline of seven days to submit their reports to the higher and technical education department....