Shillong (Meghalaya), Feb 13: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has upheld the dissolution of CMJ University in Meghalaya, citing severe administrative and academic misconduct. The decision comes after a lengthy battle between the university and the Meghalaya government, which had initially ordered the dissolution in 2014.
The Supreme Court’s ruling validates the state government’s decision, highlighting gross violations by the university, including the illegal appointment of its chancellor, financial discrepancies, and the unauthorized expansion of off-campus centers. The court also criticized the Meghalaya High Court’s earlier decision to review the dissolution order, emphasizing that the state’s action was justified given the comprehensive evidence of misconduct.
The implications of the judgment are far-reaching, with the university’s degrees, including Ph.D., M.Phil, and B.Ed, issued without proper regulatory approvals, now deemed invalid. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also been investigating the university for allegedly issuing fake degree certificates and laundering money, with properties worth ₹48.76 crore already attached.
The CMJ University’s troubles began in 2013, when the Meghalaya governor recommended its dissolution due to mismanagement and maladministration. The university approached the Meghalaya High Court, which initially set aside the dissolution order, but the state government appealed the decision, leading to the Supreme Court’s final verdict.
With the Supreme Court’s judgment, the CMJ University’s fate is now sealed, and its students and stakeholders must come to terms with the consequences of the institution’s misconduct.
