Simplified Explanation of the Judgment
This case was filed by Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU), Darbhanga and its Directorate of Distance Education against the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and its Eastern Regional Committee (ERC), Bhubaneswar.
The background relates to the University’s grievance regarding recognition and approval of seats in its B.Ed. (Distance Education) programme. LNMU had approached the High Court earlier, and by order dated 22 December 2020, the Court had directed the ERC–NCTE to consider the University’s case.
In compliance, on 2 February 2021, the Eastern Regional Committee passed an order redressing the University’s grievance and allowed the University additional seats for its B.Ed. Distance Education course. Following this, the State Nodal Officer for CET-B.Ed.-2020 also recommended admission on those extra seats.
When the present petition came up for hearing on 18 February 2021, the Court was informed that:
- The grievance of the University had already been addressed.
- The NCTE had issued the necessary order permitting the additional seats.
- Admissions were being permitted on those seats as recommended by the Nodal Officer.
Thus, there was nothing left for adjudication, and the writ petition was disposed of.
However, the Court issued a cautionary observation that LNMU must strictly comply with all statutory norms and parameters prescribed by NCTE for running the B.Ed. course within the approved intake capacity.
Significance or Implication of the Judgment
- For the University (LNMU): The order allowed it to admit more students in its B.Ed. Distance Education course for 2020, strengthening its intake and academic activities.
- For Students: This judgment ensured that eligible candidates could secure admission on extra seats, thus increasing access to teacher education in Bihar.
- For Regulatory Compliance: The Court reminded that regulatory approval comes with responsibilities, and LNMU must strictly adhere to NCTE’s quality standards to avoid future disputes.
This decision underscores that courts can ensure timely resolution of recognition and seat allocation disputes in higher education, but institutions must maintain academic integrity.
Legal Issue(s) Decided and the Court’s Reasoning
- Was there any grievance left for the University?
→ No. NCTE had already passed an order granting relief by allowing extra seats. - What was the Court’s direction?
→ The writ petition was disposed of since the grievance was resolved. The Court only reminded the University to comply with all norms for approved intake capacity.
Case Title
Lalit Narayan Mithila University & Anr. v. National Council for Teacher Education & Ors.
Case Number
Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 9421 of 2020
Citation(s)
2021(1) PLJR 450
Coram and Names of Judges
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah
Names of Advocates and Appearance
- Mr. Ajay Bihari Sinha — for the petitioners
- Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh — for NCTE
- Mr. Md. Nadeem Seraj — for the State Nodal Officer, CET-B.Ed.-2020
Link to Judgment
https://patnahighcourt.gov.in/viewjudgment/MTUjOTQyMSMyMDIwIzEjTg==-CfLko6zKAvQ=
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