The centre has told the Supreme Court that it has decided to issue showcause notices to 44 universities as to why they should not be stripped of their "deemed" status after individually offering them sufficient opportunity to be heard.

In an additional affidavit, the Union HRD Ministry also said it had independent powers to de-recognise the deemed universitis for their lapses and was not bound by any contrary suggestion or advice given by the UGC.

"The institutions deemed to be universities which prima facie do not deserve to retain their status as deemed to be universities, as recommended by the review committee, will each be communicated the shortcomings found against them and will be afforded an opportunity to show cause why their declaration as institutions deemed to be universities should not be revoked by the government.

"After receipt of their reply and due consideration thereof, the government will pass an appropriate order in each case. All this will be done within a reasonable time frame," the affidavit said.

On January 25, the Supreme Court had directed the union government to maintain status quo on the 44 deemed universities facing de-recognition for not being upto the standard.

The Centre also submitted in sealed cover reports of the high-powered review committee and the task force that has recommended de-recognition of the 44 varsities for failing to meet the required students.