Summary
The Court continued the stay of interim directions admitting institutions to counselling before completion of university affiliation. AICTE approval did not by itself complete the distinct affiliation process under JNTU’s regulations. Since the State had meanwhile issued its NOC, JNTU was directed to inspect and decide affiliation within ten days and report to the High Court. The order did not authorize departure from AICTE’s prescribed approval, affiliation or admission deadlines.
Issues
- Whether AICTE-approved courses could be included in counselling before completion of State permission and university affiliation.
- What interim arrangement was appropriate after the State granted its NOC during the appeal.
Provisions considered
- Regulations 5.5, 5.6 and 6.1, JNTU affiliation regulationsThe regulatory sequence required State permission and completion of the University’s affiliation process for the new courses or increased intake. (¶¶ 9, 10, 14, 17)
Held
- The governing regulations expressly contemplated State permission and an independent university affiliation process. The High Court’s reliance on Jaya Gokul did not address later decisions recognizing the State’s and affiliating University’s roles. (¶¶ 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- Permitting counselling before affiliation could expose students to serious prejudice and create equities if affiliation was later denied. The subsequent State NOC did not itself establish that the institutions satisfied infrastructure and faculty requirements. (¶¶ 3, 13, 14, 15)
- JNTU was to complete affiliation strictly under its regulations after inspection and verification, then place the outcomes before the High Court by affidavit. The High Court could thereafter consider institution-specific relief; its interim directions remained stayed until those steps were complete. (¶¶ 15, 16, 17, 19)
- No relaxation of AICTE timelines was ordered. All requirements concerning the last date for completing admissions remained binding. (¶ 18)
Result
Appeals disposed of. JNTU directed to complete affiliation within ten days and report institution-wise outcomes to the High Court; interim counselling directions stayed pending that process. Further High Court orders remained open, subject to the affiliation decisions and AICTE deadlines.