It was brought to the notice that OPJS University, Churu (Rajasthan), is offering/conducting certain programmes/courses under the nomenclature “Master in C.A.” and “Bachelor in C.A.” (under the School of Chartered Accountant). Conduct of such courses under the said nomenclature are in contravention of the provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (CA Act) and various other laws.

It is stated that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) filed a writ petition against OPJS University before the Hon’ble Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur. The Division Bench of Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur on 10.07.2015 admitted the petition and issued the notice to the OPJS University returnable within 6 weeks. The order dated 10.07.2015 passed by the Hon’ble Court is reproduced hereunder:-

“Admit.

Issue notice. Issue notice of the stay application also. The rule issued is made returnable within six weeks.

In the meanwhile and until further orders, the respondent No. 3 (OPJS University) is restrained from admitting any student in the School of Chartered Accountants for awarding Masters Degree in Chartered Accountancy, Bachelors Degree in Chartered Accountancy, Diploma in Chartered Accountancy and Certificate in Accountancy. The University shall also not award degree diploma or certificate aforesaid”.

In this connection, it is relevant to mention that the ICAI is the only body set up by an Act of the Parliament, viz. The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountants in India and no person/body other than the Institute can perform the functions entrusted to the ICAI under the said Act. The use of the expression “Chartered Accountant” or its abbreviation “C.A.” by a person other than the member of the ICAI is a punishable offence under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. Further, it may be mentioned that awarding any degree, diploma or certificate or bestowing of any designation which indicate or purports to indicate the position or attainment of any qualification or competence similar to that of a member of the ICAI is also punishable offence under the CA Act.

14th July, 2015