Jharkhand High Court Orders Investigation into Allegations of Corruption Jeopardizing Students' Futures
In a significant directive, the Jharkhand High Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of corrupt practices involving the Jharkhand University of Technology (JUT) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The court's decision comes after serious accusations surfaced, suggesting that these educational authorities had approved the academic session for 2025-26 but subsequently barred students from participating in examinations, thereby jeopardizing their academic futures.
The case, titled "Dhanbad Institute of Technology v. State of Jharkhand," was heard by Justice Rajesh Kumar. The petitioner, Dhanbad Institute of Technology, represented by Advocates Mr. Rajveer Singh and Mr. Anurag Raj, alleged that the AICTE granted approval for the academic session, yet students were denied the opportunity to appear for their examinations. This discrepancy, as argued, has trapped students in a bureaucratic quagmire, potentially compromising their educational and professional trajectories.
In his judgment, Justice Rajesh Kumar expressed grave concern over the prima facie evidence of corruption by the state authorities. He drew an analogy to the practices of traffic police who allegedly manipulate traffic signs to extract fines from commuters, suggesting a similar modus operandi by JUT and AICTE in trapping students. The court has taken this matter seriously, recognizing the potential consequences on students' futures and the integrity of the educational system.
To address these concerns, the court has directed the addition of the Union of India, represented by the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, as a respondent in the case. The CBI has been tasked with investigating how students were trapped by JUT and AICTE and identifying the roles played by various parties in this alleged malpractice. The investigation report is to be submitted to the court in a sealed cover within two weeks.
The court has also mandated that the respondent authorities, including JUT and AICTE, fully cooperate with the CBI during the investigation. The next hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2026, where the court will review the findings of the CBI's investigation.
The judgment underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding educational integrity and ensuring that students' rights are protected against administrative malpractices. This case serves as a critical reminder of the need for transparency and accountability within educational institutions and regulatory bodies.
Bottom Line:
Investigation ordered by CBI into alleged corrupt practices of Jharkhand University of Technology (JUT) and AICTE, trapping students by granting approval for academic session but denying participation in examinations.
Statutory provision(s): The judgment does not explicitly cite statutory provisions; however, it involves directives for investigation under the mandate of the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Dhanbad Institute of Technology v. State of Jharkhand, (Jharkhand) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2840016
