SHILLONG/NEW DELHI: After hearing a special leave petition filed by Chandra Mohan Jha challenging the Meghalaya High Court order, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the petition and directed the State Government to follow the Governor’s order asking for dissolution of the CMJ University within three months.
While Siddharth Luthra, advocate of the Supreme Court represented the Governor, the Meghalaya Government was represented by senior counsel Ranjan Mukherjee during the hearing held on Friday.
The Court had referred to the June 12 direction of the then Governor RS Mooshahary who was also the Visitor of CMJ University, regarding the dissolution of the University as per Section 48 of the CMJ University Act, 2009.
Section 48 says that on identification of mismanagement and mal-administration, the State Government would issue directions for rectification to the University. If the directions are not followed, the State Government can take steps to wind up the University.
Mooshahary had earlier said that from established facts, it was clear that there has been mismanagement, mal-administration, indiscipline and failure in the accomplishment of the objectives of the University, apart from criminal liability.
Mooshahary had sought for the dissolution of the University in the interest of maintaining proper standards of higher education in the State.
The State Regulatory Board for Higher Education had also accepted the recommendations of the Governor for closure of the University.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted a nine-member committee for the inspection of CMJU. Sources have informed that the UGC would be meeting on September 24 and submit its report on CMJU to the State Government.
