COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON RULES ON ADVERTISING
Rajasthan High Court Stays FIR in CLAT Coaching Feud: Misleading Ads and What Students Must Watch Out For
Court Refers Coaching Rivalry Over CLAT Topper to Mediation
Advertising Rules and Student Checklist Against Misleading Claims
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: January 25, 2026:
The Rajasthan High Court has recently intervened in a dispute between two CLAT coaching institutes over claims of mentoring a top-ranked student. The case, which escalated into a criminal FIR, reflects the cut-throat competition in India’s coaching industry, where institutes often battle for prestige by associating themselves with successful candidates.
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Justice Baljinder Singh Sandhu observed that the matter was more of a business rivalry than a criminal offense and referred it to mediation. The Court also emphasized that students should not be dragged into such disputes, highlighting the need for ethical practices in the coaching sector.
The Coaching Feud
The dispute arose when two coaching institutes claimed mentorship of a CLAT topper. One institute alleged that the other was making false advertising claims to attract students. The FIR accused the rival of blackmail and threats, but the Court noted that the issue was essentially about commercial competition.
This case is not unique. Across India, coaching institutes frequently advertise their association with toppers, sometimes exaggerating or misrepresenting facts. Such practices mislead students and parents, who invest heavily in coaching with the hope of replicating success.
Advertising Rules for Coaching Institutes
To address these concerns, regulators have introduced strict guidelines:
1. CCPA Guidelines (2024)
- Coaching centers cannot make false or misleading claims about results.
- They must provide documentary proof of student achievements.
- Penalties have been imposed on several institutes for deceptive advertising.
2. ASCI Code
- Advertisements must be truthful, fair, and not exploit student anxieties.
- Claims of “100% success” or “guaranteed ranks” are prohibited.
- Comparative advertising must not disparage competitors.
3. Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Misleading advertisements are treated as unfair trade practices.
- Students and parents can file complaints with consumer forums.
Why Misleading Ads Are Harmful
- Financial Exploitation: Families spend lakhs on coaching based on exaggerated claims.
- Psychological Pressure: Students feel misled when promised results don’t materialize.
- Market Distortion: Genuine institutes lose out to aggressive advertisers.
What Students Should Check Before Enrolling
To avoid falling into traps, students and parents must adopt a verification checklist:
- Verify Results: Check official CLAT or exam websites for topper lists.
- Ask for Proof: Request documentary evidence of mentorship claims.
- Check Accreditation: Ensure the institute is registered and recognized.
- Read Reviews: Look for independent reviews on forums and social media.
- Avoid “Guarantees”: Be cautious of institutes promising guaranteed ranks.
- Compare Faculty: Focus on teaching quality, not just advertisements.
- Transparency in Fees: Ensure fee structures are clear and documented.
Broader Implications
The Rajasthan High Court’s intervention highlights the need for ethical advertising in education. With coaching becoming a multi-billion-rupee industry, regulation is essential to protect students from exploitation.
The case also underscores the importance of mediation in resolving business disputes without dragging students into legal battles.
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Expert Opinions
- Legal Experts: Stress that misleading ads violate consumer rights and can attract penalties.
- Education Analysts: Argue that transparency in results is key to restoring trust.
- Student Groups: Call for stronger awareness campaigns to help aspirants identify genuine institutes.
Conclusion
The CLAT coaching feud in Rajasthan is a reminder of the dangers of misleading advertising in India’s education sector. While courts and regulators are stepping in, students must remain vigilant. By verifying claims, checking accreditation, and avoiding unrealistic promises, aspirants can protect themselves from exploitation.
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