The paper examines the complexities and contradictions in the governance of higher education in India, particularly concerning University-affiliated Teacher Education Colleges. Despite clear definitions of higher education and statutory regulations set by bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), discrepancies in implementation persist. Issues include non-adherence to UGC-prescribed qualifications, lack of NET/SLET requirements, inconsistent pay scales, and administrative control of teacher education colleges by state secondary education departments rather than higher education authorities. Conflicting regulations from UGC and NCTE create ambiguity regarding compliance, leading to ad hoc appointments, compromised academic standards, and poor coordination among regulatory bodies. The paper highlights the urgent need to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and accountability of statutory and regulatory bodies to ensure quality and uniformity in teacher education and higher education institutions across India.