India, Nov. 27 -- In a significant development, the Supreme Court has directed the Union Government, all States and Union Territories, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to disclose how private universities across the country were established, regulated and monitored.

A Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and NV Anjaria said it was necessary, in the larger public interest, to examine how private universities were created, the statutory framework under which they function and the benefits granted to them by Governments.

The Supreme Court directed all Governments to file comprehensive affidavits detailing the background, legal basis, and financial or administrative benefits extended to private universities, including land allot...