SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, Jan 13: The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday ordered a CBI investigation into the role of the Jharkhand University of Technology (JUT) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in a case where students were allegedly allowed admission but later barred from appearing in examinations.
The order was passed by Justice Rajesh Kumar while hearing a petition filed by Dhanbad Institute of Technology.
Court’s Strong Observations
Making sharp observations, the High Court compared the actions of the authorities to traffic police removing ‘No Entry’ boards to trap commuters, saying a similar approach appeared to have been adopted by JUT.
“Prima facie, it appears that the students have been trapped and their future is being destroyed by State authorities,” the Court observed.
The judge further noted that the matter appears to involve corrupt practices by State authorities, calling it a serious issue affecting students’ careers.
AICTE Approval, But Exams Denied
The Court recorded that AICTE had granted approval to the petitioner institute for the 2025–26 academic session on April 30, 2025. Based on this approval, students took admission.
However, despite the approval, students were allegedly not permitted to appear in examinations, prompting the institute to move the High Court.
CBI Added as Party, Probe Ordered
Taking serious note of the issue, the Court directed that the Union of India through the Director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be added as Respondent No. 4.
The CBI has been asked to investigate:
- How students were allegedly trapped by AICTE and JUT
- Who played what role in the process
The agency has been directed to submit its investigation report in a sealed cover within two weeks.
Officials Directed to Cooperate
The Court ordered JUT and AICTE to fully cooperate with the CBI during the investigation. The Registrar of JUT was also personally present before the Court during the hearing.
Next Hearing on February 3
The case has been listed for February 3, 2026, for further consideration.
