Authority: High Court of Meghalaya, Shillong

Order Date: 01 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: 29 individuals (students) aged 21‑38 from Shillong, seeking admission to Master’s, B.Com and B.Ed programmes for academic years 2012‑13 and 2013‑14 and claiming illegal fee collection.
  • Respondents: State of Meghalaya (Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Education, Commissioner & Secretary Education), Education Department officials, Visitor of CMJ University, CMJ Foundation (Sponsor), CMJ University (Registrar), Chancellor Chandra Mohan Jha, Board of Governors and Board of Management of CMJ University.
  • Nature of Petition: Writ petition (WP (C) No. 196 of 2014) alleging that CMJ University, its Foundation and the State collected huge fees without legal competency and seeking Rs 5 lakhs compensation per petitioner under public law remedy.
  • Background: CMJ University was established under the CMJ University Act, 2009 and dissolved by the Meghalaya Education Department order dated 31‑03‑2014. The Apex Court upheld the dissolution on 13‑02‑2025. Subsequently, the Government of Meghalaya, via a notification dated 20‑02‑2025, 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.
  • Submissions: Respondent counsel argued that the Administrator could address the petitioners’ grievances and that the notice period could be extended. Petitioners’ counsel contended that the court should directly award compensation, citing similar precedents.

Final Outcome

  • The Court accepted the respondent’s suggestion, directing the petitioners to approach the Administrator of CMJ University within 30 days from the date of the order for any grievance or compensation claim.
  • The Administrator is instructed to decide the matter as expeditiously as possible.
  • Petitioners retain the liberty to approach the Court again if any grievance remains after the Administrator’s decision.
  • The writ petition is disposed of as closed; no costs are awarded.

Topics: Legal Remedy, Higher Education, Compensation