Authority: High Court of Meghalaya at Shillong
Order Date: 01 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: 81 individuals (students) seeking Rs 5 lakhs each as compensation for fees collected by CMJ University for Master’s, B.Com, B.Ed, B.A, B.Sc, MSW, M.Sc Maths programmes for academic years 2011‑12, 2012‑13 and 2013‑14.
- Respondents: State of Meghalaya (Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Education Department officials), CMJ Foundation (sponsor), CMJ University (Registrar), Chancellor Chandra Mohan Jha, Board of Governors and Board of Management of CMJ University.
- Allegation: CMJ University collected huge fees without legal competency after its dissolution; petitioners claim the collection was illegal and unconstitutional.
- Legal background: CMJ University was established under the CMJ University Act, 2009 and dissolved by the Education Department order dated 31‑03‑2014. The dissolution was upheld by the Apex Court on 13‑02‑2025. By notification dated 20‑02‑2025 the Government of Meghalaya appointed the Joint Secretary, Education Department as Administrator of the university. A public notice dated 26‑03‑2025 invited claims and objections within 30 days.
Final Outcome
- The Court dismissed the writ petition and directed the petitioners to file their grievances, including any claim for compensation, with the Administrator of CMJ University within 30 days from the date of this order (i.e., by 31‑07‑2026).
- The Administrator is instructed to decide the matters “as expeditiously as possible.”
- Petitioners retain the liberty to approach the Court again if any grievance remains after the Administrator’s decision.
- No costs were awarded.
Topics: Higher Education, Court Proceedings, Compensation