Court dismisses plea against IIT Mandi's termination notice; petitioner fails to establish prima facie case and irreparable loss
Shimla, April 28, 2026 — The Himachal Pradesh High Court, presided over by Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, has dismissed the petition filed by the Learning Curve Educational Trust seeking interim relief against a termination notice issued by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. The petitioner aimed to restrain IIT Mandi from implementing the notice and sought to maintain the status quo regarding their possession of the school premises within the campus.
The legal dispute originated from a termination notice dated May 1, 2024, which directed the Learning Curve Educational Trust to vacate the premises within two years. The Trust, which runs a school on the IIT campus, sought protection under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, arguing that the termination was void ab initio, as the Registrar allegedly had no authority to issue such a notice.
Despite these claims, the court found that the petitioner failed to take timely legal steps to challenge the termination notice effectively. The judgment noted that the petitioner did not establish a prima facie case, balance of convenience, or demonstrate irreparable loss, all crucial principles for granting interim relief.
Justice Goel emphasized that the petitioner had been aware of the termination notice's implications since its issuance and had ample time to contest it legally. The court also highlighted that the petitioner previously sought similar relief through a writ petition, which was dismissed by a coordinate bench on April 6, 2026. An appeal against this decision was withdrawn by the petitioner, opting instead to file the current Section 9 proceedings.
The court reiterated that principles for interim relief remain consistent across different legal fora, whether under writ jurisdiction or arbitration proceedings. It concluded that the petitioner’s delay in addressing the termination notice undermined its case for interim relief.
The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the Learning Curve Educational Trust and IIT Mandi, with implications for the future management and operation of the campus school.
Bottom line:-
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Section 9 - Interim relief sought by the petitioner to restrain respondent from implementing a termination notice and maintain status quo - Court held that petitioner failed to establish a prima facie case, balance of convenience, or irreparable loss - Petition dismissed.
Statutory provision(s): Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, Section 9
