Meghalaya High Court
Cmj Foundation, Shillong vs . State Of Meghalaya & Ors. on 16 March, 2026
Author: W. Diengdoh
Bench: W. Diengdoh
Serial No. 02
Regular List
HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
AT SHILLONG
MC[WP(C)] No. 48 of 2026 in
WP(C) No. 253 of 2025
Date of Order: 16.03.2026
CMJ Foundation, Shillong Vs. State of Meghalaya & Ors.
Coram:
Hon'ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge
Appearance:
For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. A.P. Singh, Adv.
Mr. D.K. Dutta, Adv.
For the Respondent(s) : Dr. N. Mozika, Sr. Adv. with
Mr. Philemon Nongbri, Adv.
Ms. I. Diengdoh, Adv.
1. Heard Mr. A.P. Singh, learned counsel for the petitioner, who has submitted that this application has been filed in response to the purported action taken by the Administrator, CMJ University, wherein, in a series of so called notices, some of which have been annexed in this application at Annexure-1 (series), the sum and substance of such direction, being the refund of fees or payment of dues and salaries, etc. in respect of past students of the university as well as the staffs and other claims.
2. It is also the submission of the learned counsel that the Administrator could not have done so in view of the fact that the initial notice dated 26.03.2025, has clearly indicated the following at para 3 under the 1 heading "INVITATION FOR CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS".
"INVITATION FOR CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS:
"In order to ensure a fair and transparent winding-up process, all persons or entities having any claims or objections against CMJ University, Meghalaya, are hereby invited to submit their claims or objections, along with supporting documents, within 30 (thirty) days from the date of this notice, i.e., on or before 25th April, 2025.
3. Important Information:
a) Claims and objections received after the stipulated deadline may not be considered.
b) The University, or its authorized representative reserves the right to verify all claims and objections and to seek further information or clarification as deemed necessary.
c) This notice does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of CMJ University.
d) The winding up process will be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
e) Students are advised to collect their official transcripts and all other academic documents.
f) All creditors are advised to submit their proof of debt."
3. The above notice specifies that, whatever action to be taken by the Administrator on behalf of the petitioner/university for or against has to be intimated to the university for their response including objections, etc. However, the nature of the said notice, would indicate that these are directives for refund with a direction to comply with the same under specific timeline, which according to the learned counsel is contrary to what has been indicated in the said notice dated 26.03.2025.
4. Under such circumstances, the learned counsel has submitted that this Court may be pleased to call for show cause or response from the relevant authorities, and in the meantime, to pass an interim stay on the implementation 2 of such directions.
5. Mr. Philemon Nongbri, learned counsel for the respondents, in his reply, has submitted that, it is a fact that under the provision of the said notice dated 26.03.2025, the university can raise objections or claims against any directions or demand made against such university, and in this regard, it would be incumbent upon the petitioner/university to first raise such objections before the Administrator/competent authority, and such objections or claims will be looked into.
6. This Court on consideration of the submission made, would allow the respondent Administrator to file a response as far as the prayer made in this application is concerned. However, on consideration of the totality of the facts and circumstances as has been submitted and contended by the learned counsel for the petitioner, at this point of time, would direct the relevant authorities concerned including the Administrator not to implement the said impugned directions at this point of time until further orders.
7. Show cause to be filed within 3(three) weeks.
8. List this matter after 3(three) weeks.
Judge Meghalaya 16.03.2026 "D. Nary, PS"
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