Authority: Gauhati High Court (High Court of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh) – Itanagar Bench
Order Date: 26-08-2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Eight students of NIT Arunachal Pradesh:
1. Sangklee Sidisow (3rd Year Civil)
2. Lishi Rika (3rd Year Electronics & Communication)
3. Mangkho Blange (2nd Year Civil)
4. Ram Nampe (2nd Year Computer Science)
5. Deep Chader (3rd Year Mechanical)
6. Ato Tame Beyong (3rd Year Civil)
7. Maga Tayum (2nd Year Civil)
8. Kuru Khokhung (2nd Year Electrical)
- Respondent: National Institute of Technology, Arunachal Pradesh (NIT A.P.), represented by Director Jote and Registrar Jote.
- Nature of Proceeding: Writ petition (WP(C)/331/2023) challenging NIT A.P.’s decision to reject the students’ application dated 08‑09‑2022 for forming a "Student Union of National Institute of Technology, Arunachal Pradesh".
- Background: The institute rejected the request on the ground that a Student Union is not contemplated nor permitted under the NITSER Act and the institute’s statutes. Subsequently, NIT A.P. filed an affidavit stating it had approved a Student Council comprising nine posts to address student welfare and representation.
- Counsel: Petitioners – Gumto Kato, Kirmani Lollen, Nyado Karga; Respondent – Gegum Lollen, R P Kakoti, Sr. Advocate Sanjay Sutradhar (SC, NIT).
Observations & Reasoning
- The Court noted the institute’s later step of approving a Student Council, which provides a structured forum for student concerns.
- The Court held that, in view of this development, no substantive issue remained for adjudication.
- The Court reiterated that a Student Union cannot be created unless expressly permitted by the NITSER Act and the institute’s governing statutes.
Final Outcome
- The writ petition was declared infructuous.
- The petition stands closed and is disposed of.
Topics: Student Union, Court Order, Higher Education