The Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution seeking the return of the Kerala Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, which is pending with the President of India. The state government intends to reconsider the legislation and prepare a revised framework for establishing and regulating private universities in Kerala.

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Higher Education Minister Roji M John moved the resolution on October 12, 2026, stating that the government no longer wished to proceed with the Bill in its existing form. The legislation had been passed by the Assembly on March 25, 2025, and sent to the Governor for approval before being reserved for the President’s consideration under Article 200 of the Constitution.

The proposed law aims to establish a framework for recognising and regulating private universities in the state. However, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had sought clarifications on provisions relating to land ownership, possession rights, security requirements and fixed deposits.

The state government’s latest move comes amid plans to revisit the requirements for establishing private universities and explore a revised legal framework. The government has also expressed interest in facilitating new higher education opportunities, including discussions around foreign universities.

The resolution has drawn constitutional objections from the opposition. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan questioned whether the Assembly could seek the Bill’s return through this procedure while it remained under presidential consideration. He referred to Article 201, which sets out the options available when a Bill has been reserved for the President.

The Assembly Speaker ruled that the resolution was admissible under the House’s procedural rules, after which it was passed.

The resolution does not itself withdraw the Bill or enact a new law. Further action depends on the constitutional process and the government’s plans for revised legislation. Until a new framework is approved, the proposal remains a developing issue in Kerala’s higher education policy.