Gujarat High Court Overturns IIM Ahmedabad's Expulsion of Doctoral Students

Court Rules Against Academic Expulsion Without Adequate Remedial Opportunities, Citing Institutional Manual Violations

In a significant ruling on October 13, 2025, the Gujarat High Court invalidated the expulsion of doctoral students from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, due to academic shortfalls. The judgment, delivered by Justice Nikhil S. Kariel, underscored the necessity for educational institutions to adhere strictly to their academic manuals, ensuring that students are given fair opportunities to meet academic standards.

The case involved three petitions filed by students Abhilasha Ashok Kumar and others, who were expelled from the Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM) after failing to meet the academic criteria for promotion from the first year to the second year. The expulsion was challenged on the grounds of violation of principles of natural justice, legitimate expectations, and procedural impropriety.

Justice Kariel emphasized that the academic manuals did not envisage expulsion for first-year academic shortfalls without offering adequate remedial measures. The court highlighted that students must be given additional time and support to overcome academic deficiencies, as outlined in the manual. The expulsion orders were deemed nonest and void ab initio, and the court directed IIM Ahmedabad to reinstate the students.

The court's decision rested on a comprehensive interpretation of the institution's manual, affirming that the students were entitled to an additional year to address academic shortfalls. The ruling stressed that expulsion without providing such opportunities violates the doctrine of legitimate expectation and the principles of natural justice.

This decision marks a critical reminder for academic institutions to ensure their policies align with established rules and provide students with fair chances to rectify academic challenges.

Bottom Line:

Academic institutions must follow the rules laid out in their academic manuals strictly, and any expulsion or non-promotion of students must align with the provisions of such manuals. Students cannot be expelled for failing to meet academic standards in the first year unless the manual explicitly permits such action, and sufficient remedial measures must be provided as outlined.

Statutory provision(s): Principles of Natural Justice, Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation, Interpretation of Academic Manuals.

Abhilasha Ashok Kumar v. Indian Institute Of Management, (Gujarat) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2821785