In a significant development, the Jharkhand High Court has temporarily halted the CBI investigation into the controversy surrounding the barring of students from Dhanbad Institute of Technology (DIT) from appearing in examinations. The decision came during the hearing of an appeal filed by the state government and Jharkhand University of Technology (JUT).
A bench comprising Chief Justice MS Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar passed the order, putting the probe on hold until further directives. The next hearing is scheduled for January 29. During proceedings, CBI informed the court that a preliminary inquiry had been registered in compliance with a prior single bench order.
The state’s Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan argued that DIT was granted permission for only 60 student enrollments on September 9, 2025, yet the institute admitted 138 students, flouting regulations. He emphasized that despite these violations, DIT approached the high court, leading to the single bench’s directive for a CBI probe on January 13.
The single bench had expressed grave concern over students being denied exam access, terming it a serious tampering with their futures. It criticized AICTE and JUT’s roles, noting AICTE’s approval for 2025-26 admissions on April 30, 2025, followed inexplicably by exam exclusion. The court likened it to luring people in after removing a ‘no entry’ sign, signaling deeper irregularities beyond mere administrative lapses.
This stay offers temporary relief to the involved parties amid ongoing legal battles, as stakeholders await the division bench’s final stance. The case underscores persistent issues in higher education oversight in Jharkhand, raising questions about regulatory compliance and student welfare.