Pune: More students from ILS Law College came forward to submit applications seeking refund of unauthorised charges on Wednesday, the third consecutive day of protests over alleged excess fee collection.The students said over 15 applications were successfully submitted to the college administration during the day. University officials said the matter would be examined. Krushna Sathe, an alumnus coordinating the students’ effort, said many students have approached him and indicated further legal steps to seek relief for all affected students.ILS Law College issued its first response on the matter, stating that it would address the issue. “We have taken note of the representations submitted by students and will respond in due course,” principal (additional charge) Deepa Paturkar told TOI on Wednesday.Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) also acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and promised action.Sathe said over 15 applications were successfully submitted to the college administration during the day, while several others returned without submission after the office allegedly refused to accept their requests. “We were told to come later. Some applications were not accepted. This is frustrating because we are only asking for a response based on the DHE order,” said a third-year student.Another student pointed to technical hurdles. “Many of us tried to access our fee receipts through the college portal, but we could not log in. Without receipts, it becomes difficult to quantify the exact amount paid under different heads,” the student said, adding that the issue has been communicated to the administration.The DHE’s April 13, 2026 order directed the college to refund Rs 1.04 lakh with 6% interest in a case where fees were found to be collected “illegally and in a non-transparent manner”. The enquiry, conducted after a Bombay high court proceeding and order dated Feb 12, 2026, had also indicated that similar collections may have affected other students.SPPU officials said the matter would be examined. “The issue raised by students is serious and appears to be genuine. The university will look into it and take appropriate steps as required,” a senior SPPU official told TOI.The DHE, meanwhile, has asked the college and SPPU to see that the concerns be addressed on priority. “Since the enquiry has already established irregularities in one case, similar complaints from other students must be examined promptly by both the college and the university,” a senior official said.The students said they would continue to pursue the matter. “This is not about one or two students. Many of us have paid these fees over the years. We will keep following up until there is clarity and action,” said another student.
