Apparently playing it safe, the authorities at Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad on Friday declined to comment on the Supreme Court's instruction to 'make the IIMs a party' in the petition filed by students challenging the fee hike by the Union government.

"I would react only after 15 days," IIM-A director Bakul Dholakia said, but did not specify why he would take so long to comment on the legal steps the IIM-A would take regarding the Supreme Court decision.

"I cannot comment on this issue till all court orders are read," he said.

• The IIM Controversy: Complete Coverage

Three IIM-A alumni members had filed a PIL in the apex court contending that the drastic cut in fees would make this institutions completely dependent on the government for funds which would result in interference of the government in their administration.

The Supreme Court on Friday decided to take up the issue of fee cuts even as the Centre informed that it would not be possible on its part to give a written undertaking that reduction of fees would not result in the interference in the autonomy of the institute.

The court revived its February 16 order asking the petitioners, who had challenged the fee cut decision, to file affidavits justifying their locus standi as well as to provide balance sheets of the IIMs. The court also allowed the petitioners to make IIMs a party in the matter.