Jharkhand High Court Orders CBI Probe Into JUT-AICTE Over Non-Registration of Students
Court Calls Case “Prima Facie Corrupt”
Students Trapped Despite AICTE Approval
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: January 19, 2026:
In a strong rebuke to state authorities, the Jharkhand High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the role of the Jharkhand University of Technology (JUT) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in a case involving the non-registration of students. The court observed that the matter reflects prima facie corrupt practices and has placed the future of young technical students in jeopardy.
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Justice Rajesh Kumar, while hearing a writ petition filed by the Dhanbad Institute of Technology, compared the conduct of the authorities to traffic police who remove “No Entry” signs only to trap commuters and extract fines. He noted that a similar attitude seemed to have been adopted by JUT in this case.
Background of the Case
- The AICTE had granted approval to the Dhanbad Institute of Technology for the academic session 2025–26.
- Based on this approval, students enrolled in the Diploma in Electrical Engineering program.
- However, despite AICTE’s approval, JUT failed to grant affiliation and did not complete registration for 60 students.
- As a result, these students were denied the right to appear in examinations, effectively leaving them “trapped” between two authorities.
The High Court noted that this situation was not a mere administrative lapse but a serious issue that endangered the careers of students.
Court’s Observations
Justice Rajesh Kumar made several sharp observations:
- Students Trapped: The court said students were admitted under valid approval but denied examination rights, leaving them in a helpless situation.
- Corruption Angle: The court remarked that the case reflected prima facie corruption, warranting a deeper probe.
- CBI Investigation: The CBI was directed to investigate how students were trapped and who played what role in the process.
- Strict Directions: Both JUT and AICTE were ordered to fully cooperate with the investigation.
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The CBI has been asked to submit its report in a sealed cover within two weeks, and the matter will be heard again on February 3, 2026.
Impact on Students
The immediate impact is on 60 students of the Diploma in Electrical Engineering branch at the Dhanbad Institute of Technology. These students:
- Took admission under valid AICTE approval.
- Paid fees and pursued studies.
- Were later denied registration and examination rights by JUT.
This has caused mental stress, financial loss, and uncertainty about their academic future.
Wider Implications
The case has wider implications for technical education in India:
- Trust Deficit: Students and parents may lose trust in regulatory bodies if approvals do not guarantee smooth academic progression.
- Accountability: The ruling highlights the need for accountability in higher education institutions and regulatory authorities.
- Precedent: The High Court’s order may set a precedent for similar disputes in other states where students face issues due to conflicts between universities and AICTE.
Reactions
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- Students & Parents: Expressed relief that the High Court took their plight seriously and ordered a CBI probe.
- Legal Experts: Welcomed the decision, saying it reinforces judicial oversight in protecting students’ rights.
- Educationists: Pointed out that such cases damage India’s reputation in technical education and must be addressed urgently.
Conclusion
The Jharkhand High Court’s decision to order a CBI probe into JUT and AICTE over the non-registration of students is a landmark moment in the fight for accountability in education. By calling the case “prima facie corrupt”, the court has sent a strong message that students’ futures cannot be jeopardized by bureaucratic lapses or corrupt practices.
As the CBI begins its investigation, the focus will remain on ensuring justice for the affected students and restoring faith in India’s technical education system.
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