In a strong and unusually candid order, the Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the role of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Jharkhand University of Technology (JUT) in a case where students were allegedly misled into taking admission and later barred from examinations.
The court observed that the situation appeared “serious” and raised concerns about possible corrupt practices by authorities responsible for regulating technical education.
Read also:- Rajasthan HC Rules RTE Quota Applies at Pre-School Level, Strikes Down State’s Restricted Entry Policy
Background of the Case
The matter arose from a writ petition filed by Dhanbad Institute of Technology, challenging the actions of the Jharkhand University of Technology.
The institute submitted that it had received approval from AICTE for the academic session 2025–26. Acting on that approval, students were admitted. However, later, the university allegedly refused to allow these students to appear in examinations, putting their academic future at risk.
An interlocutory application seeking early hearing was filed but became infructuous as the matter was taken up immediately by the court.
During the hearing, the Registrar of JUT was personally present before the bench as directed earlier.
Read also:- Supreme Court Upholds Bihar Rule Requiring Pharmacy Diploma for Govt Jobs, Rejects Degree-Only Claims
Court’s Observations
Justice Rajesh Kumar made strong prima facie observations while hearing the case.
The court compared the conduct of authorities to unethical practices, stating:
“The Traffic Police used to remove the ‘No Entry’ board only to trap commuters. Prima facie, it appears that the same attitude has been adopted by the Jharkhand University of Technology.”
The bench noted that AICTE had already granted approval to the institute for the 2025–26 session, yet students were not allowed to appear in examinations.
“The students have been trapped, and their future appears to be destroyed by the State authorities,” the court observed.
The judge further remarked that the situation appeared to involve corrupt practices, especially because multiple authorities were involved in granting approval and later denying students their academic rights.
Read also:- Supreme Court Upholds Bihar Rule Requiring Pharmacy Diploma for Govt Jobs, Rejects Degree-Only Claims
CBI Directed to Investigate
Taking a serious view of the matter, the High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to step in.
The Union of India, through the Director of CBI, was added as a party to the case. The court directed the agency to investigate two key aspects:
- How students were allegedly trapped by AICTE and Jharkhand University of Technology.
- Who played what role in allowing admissions and later blocking students from examinations.
The bench instructed the CBI to submit its investigation report in a sealed cover within two weeks.
It also directed both AICTE and JUT to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Read also:- No Summons, No Eviction: Supreme Court Reopens Tenant’s Defence in Rent Dispute
Court’s Decision
The High Court ordered:
- Addition of the CBI as a respondent
- A full-fledged investigation into the conduct of AICTE and JUT
- Submission of a sealed investigation report within two weeks
- Cooperation by all concerned authorities
- Listing of the matter for further hearing on 3 February 2026
The order was passed on 13 January 2026 by Justice Rajesh Kumar. Dhanbad Institute of Technology
Case Title: Dhanbad Institute of Technology vs State of Jharkhand & Ors.
Case No.: W.P.(C) No. 95 of 2026
Decision Date: 13 January 2026
