(1) Where the Commission is, on its own motion or on any representation received from any person, or any information received from any other authority or a statutory body, or on the basis of any enquiry or inspection conducted by it, satisfied that a Higher Educational Institution has contravened any of the provisions of these Regulations or guidelines and orders made or issued there under, or has submitted or produced any information and documentary evidence which is found to be false at any stage or any condition which has not been complied with, it may take punitive measures as it may specify, for reasons to be recorded in writing:
Provided that no such order against the Higher Educational Institution shall be passed unless a reasonable opportunity of hearing has been given to such Higher Educational Institution:
Provided further that withdrawing the approval Order or refusing approval by the Commission shall come into force with immediate effect.
(2) In the event of any Higher Educational Institution being found offering Course or Programme in Online mode without the approval of the Commission or in violation to any of the provisions of these Regulations and guidelines or orders made thereunder, the Commission may -
(i) Issue a Show Cause Notice to withdraw the recognition of the Higher Educational Institution for an academic session or withdraw the recognition of the Higher Educational Institution, maximum up to next five academic sessions or withdraw the recognition of the Higher Educational Institution permanently;
(ii) Not withstanding anything contained in item (1), the Higher Educational Institution is found continuing the violations, a First Information Report may be lodged against the officials or management of the errant Higher Educational Institution to take action as per law;
(iii) withhold or debar from receiving grants from the Commission;
(iv) refer the matter to the State Government concerned or Central Government as the case may be to initiate appropriate actions in accordance with applicable laws;
(v) take action as per the provisions of the Act or Rules or Regulations as applicable to the Higher Educational Institution; and
(vi) put on the public domain a list of such defaulters Higher Educational Institutions.
(3) If a Higher Educational Institution offers any Course or Programme in Online mode after coming into force of the order withdrawing approval granted by the Commission, the Degree or Diploma or Certificate obtained pursuant to such Course or Programme shall not be treated as a valid qualifications.