Shri Kakuto v. State Of Meghalaya

Page 1 of 16

Serial No.04

Regular List

HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA

AT SHILLONG

WP (C) No. 310 of 2014 Date of Order: 01.07.2026

1. Mr. Kakuto

Aged about 27 years

Son of Shri. Vikiho Sumi

Resident of Nongthymmai,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong,

Meghalaya.

2. Mr. Dawa Phuntsho

Aged about 27 years

Son of Shri. Sonam Drukpa

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

3. Mr. Monmaya

Aged about 24 years

Son of Shri. Mon Maya Gurung

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

4. Miss. Pena Choki

Aged about 23 years

Son of Shri. Kezang Dorji

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

5. Mr. Ugyen Chendup

Aged about 23 years

Son of Shri. Tashi Dorji

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

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6. Mr. Karma Wangchuk

Aged about 23 years

Son of Shri. Jangchub Tenzin

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

7. Mr. Tula Ram Dhankuti

Aged about 22 years,

Son of Shri. Padam Lal Dhanhuti,

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

8. Miss. Seloon

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Yeshi Wangoi,

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

9. Mr. Bikasa Dahal

Aged about 23 years,

Son of Shri. Dhim Bahardur Dahal,

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

10. Mr. Kinley Wangchuk

Aged about 23 years,

Son of Shri. Santen Choejala,

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

11. Miss. Sungjenrenla Jamir

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Aotemsu Jamir,

Resident of Upland road,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

12. Mr. Akumtong Pongen

Aged about 27 years,

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Son of Shri. Aotemsu Jamir,

Resident of Upland road,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

13. Miss. Toshisongla

Aged about 27 years,

Daughter of Shri. Chubalepzuk,

Resident of Upland road,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

14. Miss. Elina K. Achumi

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Khetoji Achumi,

Resident of Nongrim Hills,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

15. Miss, Chitra Rani

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Thoudam Singh,

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

16. Miss. Imtilila Aier

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. T. Mamen Aier,

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

17. Miss. Ketisungla

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Lima Temsu,

Resident of North East Girls Hostel,

Shillong, East Khasi Hills District,

Meghalaya.

18. Miss. Kikali Yeptho

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Vilooto Yetho,

Resident of Upper new Colony,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

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Meghalaya.

19. Miss. Bamin Pinky

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Bamin Taiin,

Resident of Madanriting,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

20. Mr. Javad Pegy

Aged about 25 years,

Son of Shri. Jugananda Pegy,

Resident of Madanriting,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

21. Miss. N. Ebebeni Tungoe

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Nzanbemo Tungoе,

Resident of Motinagar,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

22. Miss. Sevotsonuo Temi

Aged about 27 years,

Daughter of Shri. Malo Temi,

Resident of Motinagar,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

23. Mr. Longshibemo

Aged about 26 years,

Son of Shri. Echio Tungoe,

Resident of Nongthymmai,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

24. Miss. Deepa Chetri

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Late. Chandra Bhadur Chetri,

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

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25. Miss. Mohini Rina

Aged about 24 years,

Daughter of Shri. N. Rina

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

26. Miss. C. Abeni Ngulli

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Chumthungo Ngulli

Resident of Motinagar,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

27. Miss. Nagatoli Chophy

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Vitoshe Chophy

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong,

Meghalaya.

28. Mr. Mudothili Sumi

Aged about 27 years,

Son of Shri. Besuyi

Resident of Nongrim Hills,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

29. Mr. Pothito

Aged about 25 years,

Son of Shri. Thupukhrunye

Resident of Nongrim Hills,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

30. Mr. Rinchen Wangmo

Aged about 26 years,

Son of Shri. Gurula

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

31. Miss. Sophia Thonger

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. L.I. Sangtam

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Resident of Nongthymmai,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

32. Miss. Tsuktiksla Longkumer

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Sakunemla Longkumer

Resident of Nongthymmai,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

33. Miss. Aosenla Imchen

Aged about 24 years,

Daughter of Shri. Temsakaba Imchen

Resident of Laitumkhrah,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

34. Miss. Keziveneou Kuotsu

Aged about 27 years,

Daughter of Shri. Neiketouzo Kuotsu

Resident of Nongrim Hills,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

35. Miss. Avghukali Y. Sumi

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Yehozhe Sema

Resident of Upper new colony,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong

Meghalaya.

36. Miss. Loam Khiamnienger

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Shingnja Khiamnienger

Resident of Motingar,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong,

Meghalaya.

37. Miss. Rebeki Kaipang

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Hungzoliana Kaipang

Resident of Madanriting,

East Khasi Hills District, Shillong,

Meghalaya.

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38. Miss. Jessica Y. Ezung

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Yiponthung Ezung

Resident of North East Girls Hostel,

Shillong, East Khasi Hills District,

Meghalaya.

39. Miss. Vipkretono Thoric

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Sazo Thoric

Resident of Lower Nongrim Hills,

Shillong, East Khasi Hills District,

Meghalaya.

40. Miss. Temsukala Jamir

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Chubaonen Jamir

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

41. Miss. Lipoklemla

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Chujanmeren

Pongner

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

42. Miss. Kupe-U- Kupa

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Dikhrgu Kupа

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

43. Miss. Judith Zeliang,

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. R. Dibambo Zeliang

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

44. Mr. Abner Jamang,

Aged about 27 years,

Son of Shri. Khangai Jamang,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

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45. Miss. Tolivi Achumi,

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Khetovi Achumi,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

46. Miss. Enlivent,

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Tonispala,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

47. Miss. Satisfy Poshna

Aged about 24 years,

Daughter of Shri. Saj Bareh,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

48. Miss. Puai L. Konyak

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Luaipai Konyak,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

49. Miss. T.S. Angela

Aged about 24 years,

Daughter of Shri. T.S. Waroin,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

50. Miss. Cherry Suting

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Smti. Tympang Suting,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

51. Miss. Serila

Aged about 24 years,

Daughter of Shri. Yongrise,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

52. Miss. Imtichila Walling

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. L. Imrong Walling,

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Resident of Motinagar, Shillong, East

Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

53. Miss. Zulutenla

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Imsuomen,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Beat House,

Shillong, East Khasi Hills District,

Meghalaya.

54. Mr. Jongpongchiten Longkumer

Aged about 24 years,

Son of Shri. Merensoba,

Resident of Motingar, Shillong, East

Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

55. Miss. Keheiyile

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. K.S. Nguhie

Namcyn,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

56. Miss. T. Lumlila Sangtam

Aged about 27 years,

Daughter of Shri. M. Tsipongse,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

57. Mr. Ravi Acharya

Aged about 23 years,

Son of Shri. Ram Prasad Acharya,

Resident of Pine Mount School

Compound, Shillong, East Khasi Hills

District, Meghalaya.

58. Mr. Merensangba Imsong

Aged about 25 years,

Son of Shri. Marsosang Ao,

Resident of Motinagar, Shillong, East

Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

59. Mr. Keviselitou Chaoi

Aged about 23 years,

Son of Shri. Dizolie Angami,

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Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

60. Mr. Themshang Awungshi

Aged about 24 years,

Son of Shri. Yarthotngam Awungshi,

Resident of Nongrim Hills, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

61. Miss. Kehodeno Pucho

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Tosovise Pucho,

Resident of Nongrim Hills, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

62. Miss. Kezhono Rhetso

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Vito Rhetso,

Resident of Nongrim Hills, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

63. Mr. Lendinokdang

Aged about 24 years,

Son of Shri. Temjensangba,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

64. Miss. Imsuicnla Aonok

Aged about 25 years,

Resident of Motinagar, Shillong, East

Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

65. Miss. Marpi Nyorak

Aged about 24 years,

Son of Shri. Nyorak,

Resident of Motinagar, Shillong, East

Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

66. Mr. Kumzukchiba

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Imnanuklu,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

67. Mr. Tiameren

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Aged about 28 years,

Daughter of Shri. Longkokchujang,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

68. Miss. Lamusangla Jamir

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Sangyumeren,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

69. Mr. H. Mono Khimeng

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Humkono,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

70. Mr. T. Kukang

Aged about 23 years,

Son of Shri. Tiankang,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

71. Miss. Y. Rachel Phom

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Yangmona Phom,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

72. Miss. Sanglachenla Phom

Aged about 27 years,

Daughter of Shri. Denai Phom,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

73. Miss. Imtisenla

Aged about 25 years,

Daughter of Shri. Inmameren,

Resident of Laitumkhrah, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

74. Miss. Kujingaulab

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. John Zeliang,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

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East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

75. Miss. Ajengangla

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Memenba,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

76. Mr. Meribemo Jamir

Aged about 24 years,

Son of Shri. Zadamo Jamir,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

77. Miss. Nongchingnichipuyer

Aged about 23 years,

Daughter of Shri. Chonponco,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

78. Mr. Pangtang Senai

Aged about 27 years,

Son of Shri. Simai,

Resident of Dhankheti, Shillong, East

Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

79. Mr. H. Lngowangni

Aged about 26 years,

Son of Shri. Wangmai,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

80. Miss. B.Y.S. Sonamatneno

Aged about 24 years,

Daughter of Shri. MVS Chang,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

81. Miss. Pinky Mize

Aged about 26 years,

Daughter of Shri. Mize,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

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82. Miss. Tshering Dekar

Aged about 25 years,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

83. Miss. Sepila sangtam

Aged about 27 years,

Resident of Nongthymmai, Shillong,

East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

. …..Petitioners

-VERSUS-

1. State of Meghalaya represented by

its Chief Secretary, Government of

Meghalaya, Shillong- 793001.

2. The Principal Secretary

to the Government of Meghalaya,

Education Department, Shillong.

3. The Commissioner and Secretary

Education Department,

Government of Meghalaya Shillong

793001.

4. Under Secretary to the Government

of Meghalaya Education

Department, Shillong.

5. Visitor of the CMJ University

through the Principal Secretary to

the Hon'ble Governor of Meghalaya,

Governor Secretariat, Raj Bhavan

Shillong -793001.

6. The CMJ Foundation (Sponsor of

the CMJ University) represented by

its Secretary, Modrina Mansion,

Laitumkhrah Shillong 793003.

7. The CMJ University represented by

its Registrar, Modrina Mansion

Laitumkhrah, Shillong 793003.

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8. Shri. Chandra Mohan Jha,

Chancellor, CMJ University

Modrina Mansion Laitumkhrah,

Shillong 793003.

9. Board of Governor, CMJ University,

Modrina Mansion Laitumkhrah,

Shillong -793003.

10. Вoard of Management, CМЈ

University, Modrina Mansion

Laitumkhrah, Shillong -793003.

…..Respondents

Coram:

Hon ’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge

Appearance:

For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. H. Abraham, Adv.

For the Respondent(s) : Dr. N. Mozika, Sr. Adv. with Mr. P. Nongbri, Adv.

Judgment and Order (Oral)

Heard Mr. H. Abraham, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, and also Dr. N. Mozika, learned Senior counsel, assisted by Mr . P. Nongbri, learned counsel appearing for respondent Nos. 1 –5. There is no appearance on behalf of the respondent Nos. 6-10.

This writ petition has been filed claiming compensation for the collection of fees by the respondent CMJ University without any legal competency to do so. The prayer made in the writ petition reads as follows: - “In the premises it is humbly prayed that Your Lordship may be pleased to admit the instant Writ Petition and issue Rule calling upon the Respondents as to why a writ of mandamus should not be issued as to why giving admission to the writ petitioners for Master Degree, B.Com and B.Ed, B.A, B.Sc, MSW, M.Sc Maths to the writ petitioners for the academic 2026:MLHC:649

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year 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 and collecting huge fees thereof by the respondent CMJ University, respondent CMJ Foundation and respondent state without legal competency should not be declared as illegal and unconstitutional and further, please direct the above respondents to award suitable and reasonable compensation to the tune of Rs. 5 lakhs each as permissible under the realm of public law remedy and further be pleased to pass such order/orders as Your Lordship may deem fit and proper.

And for which act of kindness the Writ Petitioners as on duty bound shall every pray.”

The CMJ University, which was established by virtue of the CMJ University Act, 2009, came to be dissolved by an order dated 31 .03.2014 issued by the Education Department of the State of Meghalaya. The said order of dissolution of the University was subsequently upheld by the Apex Court by its judgment dated 13.02.2025.

Pursuant to the decision of the Apex Court, by a notification dated 20.02.2025, the Government of Meghalaya, through the Education Department has appointed the Joint Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department as the Administrator of CMJ Univer sity.

The winding up process of the University was, thereafter, commenced by the Administrator of University and a public notice dated 26.03.2025 was issued inviting claims and objections from all concerned within a perio d of 30 days from the date of the issue of the notice.

It is submitted by the learned Senior counsel representing respo ndent Nos. 1–5 that the grievances raised by the writ petitioner in thi s petition can be looked into and taken care of by the Administrator of Univer sity. He submitted that the time limit fixed in the notification can be relaxed and extended for the petitioners, as they approached this Court wit h the instant writ petition before the public notice dated 26.03.2025 was issued.

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The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners has opposed the submission made by the learned Senior counsel for respondent N os. 1–5 and submitted that the petitioners have approached this Court by invoking public law remedy and hence, it would be appropriate for this Court to take a call on the prayer made in the writ petition. He submitted that there are many instances where the Courts have granted relief by ordering payment o f compensation in cases involving similar and identical facts.

Upon consideration of submissions made by the rival parties, it appears that the suggestion put forward by the learned counsel for the respondent Nos.

1-5, is fair and acceptable as the petitioners will have all the l iberty to raise their grievances before the Administrator of University. Even if there is claim for payment of compensation by the petitioners, such claim can be considered and decided by the Administrator. This writ petition, is therefore, disposed of by giving liberty to the petitioners to approach the Admi nistrator of CMJ University within a period of 30 days from today. In the event the petitioners approach the Administrator seeking redressal of their grievances w ithin the period specified above, the Administrator shall decide the matter as expeditiously as possible.

Needless to say, the petitioners will have liberty to approach the Court, if there still remains any grievance against the decision of the Administrator.

With the above, this writ petition stands closed.

No costs.

Judge

Meghalaya

01.07.2026

Abhinandan, P.S

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