NEW DELHI: Delhi HC has asked the Centre to act against the mushrooming of fake higher education institutions, noting that they harm the prospects of genuine students. “Such a request is made by the court for the reason that students attracted to such institutions, if they pursue their courses, would ultimately suffer a waste of time, energy and resources, as they would end up obtaining degrees and qualifications that would not make them employable,” Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said recently. A PIL sought affidavits from the central govt, UGC, and AICTE indicating the steps taken by them to check the mushrooming of such institutions. It also sought criminal prosecution of all institutions identified as “fake universities”, as well as a CBI probe into those involved in their creation. The court also urged the ASG to draw the attention of the authorities to “impress upon them to take necessary action”. tnn