The Meghalaya Education Department has taken a noteworthy step toward dissolving CMJ University, appointing D Lyngdoh as the administrator to oversee the process. This decision follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling that upheld the state government’s 2014 decision to shut down the institution due to serious academic and administrative irregularities.
Supreme Court Upholds Meghalaya Government’s Decision
On February 13, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, in a judgment delivered by Justices P S Narasimha and Sandeep Mehta, confirmed that the state’s move to close CMJ University in 2014 was legally justified.
The court found that the appointment of the university’s chancellor had violated the CMJ University Act, 2009. According to the judgment, “The procedure prescribed under Section 14(1) of the CMJ University Act for the appointment of the chancellor was not duly followed.”
The ruling highlighted severe academic malpractices at the university, including the mass awarding of PhD degrees in violation of UGC norms.
Academic Irregularities and Violations
The state government’s investigation revealed alarming discrepancies in CMJ University’s operations:
- Between 2012-2013, the university awarded 434 PhD degrees.
- At the same time, it registered 490 additional PhD scholars, far exceeding regulatory limits.
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) norms were violated, raising concerns about the credibility of degrees issued by the institution.
The Supreme Court praised the Meghalaya government for conducting a thorough analysis before ordering CMJ University’s closure. The ruling stated: “The state government analysed the explanation provided by the appellants, and evaluated the supporting evidence… thoroughly and minutely adverted to the manifest irregularities and discrepancies.”
Meghalaya High Court’s Role and Supreme Court’s Final Verdict
Previously, in 2015, a single-judge bench had ruled in favor of CMJ University, invalidating the dissolution order. However, the Meghalaya High Court overturned this decision, citing strong evidence of misconduct by the university.
The Supreme Court supported the Meghalaya High Court’s verdict, emphasizing that the 2014 dissolution order followed strict procedural requirements under Section 48 of the CMJ University Act, 2009.
With the Supreme Court’s final ruling, the legal battle over CMJ University, which began in 2014, has now come to an end.
Administrator Appointed for CMJ University Winding-Up Process
Following the Supreme Court’s judgment, Meghalaya Education Commissioner Vijay Mantri announced on February 20, 2025, that D Lyngdoh, who currently serves as Joint Secretary to the Meghalaya Government, has been appointed as administrator to oversee the university’s winding-up process.
According to Mantri, “Lyngdoh will implement the winding up of the university in a manner approved by the state government.”
This means that all administrative, academic, and financial matters of CMJ University will now be handled by the state-appointed administrator, ensuring that the dissolution process follows legal guidelines.
Implications of CMJ University’s Dissolution
The closure of CMJ University sets an important precedent for higher education governance in India, particularly in the private university sector. The case highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and the consequences of violating UGC norms.
Key Takeaways:
- Students Affected:
- The validity of degrees issued by CMJ University remains a major concern.
- Students holding CMJ University degrees may face uncertainty regarding their credentials.
- The Meghalaya Education Department may issue further guidelines for affected students.
- Tighter Regulations for Private Universities:
- The case underscores the importance of strict regulatory oversight in the private higher education sector.
- Other private universities in India may now face increased scrutiny regarding academic practices and governance.
- Legal Precedent for Future Cases:
- The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces state governments’ authority to act against universities engaging in malpractice.
- The Meghalaya government’s approach could serve as a model for other states tackling educational fraud.
A Major Step Toward Educational Reform
The dissolution of CMJ University marks a turning point in Meghalaya’s education sector. With D Lyngdoh now overseeing the winding-up process, the Meghalaya government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards in the state’s higher education system.
As the legal battle comes to an end, the focus will now shift to ensuring that students affected by CMJ University’s closure receive appropriate support and that future private universities operate within the legal framework to maintain academic integrity.
