Background
CMJ University was set up in Meghalaya in 2009 by the CMJ Foundation.
By law, the University’s Chancellor had to be appointed by the sponsor (CMJ Foundation) but with approval from the Visitor (the Governor of Meghalaya).
The Foundation appointed Shri Chander Mohan Jha as Chancellor, but Governor’s approval was never given.
Despite this, the University started admitting students, awarding degrees (including thousands of PhDs), and opening off-campus centres without proper approvals.
Problems Found
The Governor (Visitor) and State Government found several serious irregularities:
Chancellor was never legally approved.
PhDs were given in huge numbers without proper faculty or process.
B.Ed degrees were awarded without teacher education approval (NCTE).
Off-campus centres and distance education were run illegally.
Endowment fund (required money deposit) was withdrawn wrongly.
False advertisements were published.
Legal History
In 2013, the Governor asked CMJ University to stop admissions and fix problems.
Courts (High Court & Supreme Court) held that “deemed approval” of Chancellor cannot exist—approval must be explicit.
In 2014, the State Government formally dissolved CMJ University.
CMJ Foundation challenged the dissolution in High Court.
Single Judge (2015) cancelled dissolution (said natural justice not followed).
Division Bench (2021) reversed and sent case back to Single Judge.
Both CMJ Foundation and the State appealed to Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s Key Findings (Feb 2025)
Chancellor appointment invalid – No Governor approval → University functioned illegally.
Dissolution valid – State followed due process under Section 48 of the CMJ University Act after giving notice and hearing.
High Court wrong to remand case – Once procedure was upheld, sending back to Single Judge was unnecessary.
Final Decision
CMJ Foundation’s appeal (against dissolution) → Dismissed.
State’s appeal (against remand) → Allowed.
The Supreme Court upheld the dissolution of CMJ University (31 March 2014 order).
CMJ University remains legally dissolved, and the State can take steps to wind it up.
In simple words: The Supreme Court confirmed that CMJ University was running illegally because its Chancellor was never properly approved. The State Government was right to dissolve it, and that dissolution stands final.
