Manipur High Court
Governing Body Royal vs State Of Manipur & Anr on 6 March, 2025
Author: A.Guneshwar Sharma
Bench: A.Guneshwar Sharma
4-5
IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR
AT IMPHAL
WP(C) No.184 of 2025 with
MC (WP(C)) No.180 of 2025
Governing Body Royal
Academy of Law ... Petitioner
-Versus-
State of Manipur & Anr ... Respondents
BEFORE
HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE A.GUNESHWAR SHARMA
6.3.2025
Heard Mr.N.Jotendro, learned senior counsel assisted by
Mr.S.Murtaja, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.Sukumar,
learned Government Advocate for the State respondents.
The Petitioner, i.e., Governing Body of Royal Academy of
Law, Oinam, Manipur, approaches this Court for extending the term of
earlier Governing Body which expired in September, 2024 and also
challenges the letter dated 21.1.2025 issued by the Joint Secretary,
Higher & Technical Education, Manipur to the Director University &
Higher Education, Manipur, stating that there is no provision which
allow extension of term of Governing Body after its term is over and
intimation letter dated 13.2.2025 issued by the Additional Director,
University & Higher Education, Government of Manipur to the Principal,
Royal Academy of Law, in this regard.
At the outset, Mr.Sukumar, learned Government
Advocate submits that the provisions of Rule 27 A of Section IV of
Manipur Education Code is not applicable in the present case as
appointment of Caretaker Governing Body is for availing grant in aid
and that too before expiry of the term. The only option available is to
conduct election of new Governing Body in terms of Manipur Education
Code and State Government may be permitted to issue necessary order
with regard to management of the Governing Body as per Code.
Mr.N.Jotendro, learned senior counsel for the petitioner
is also agreeable to the proposal submitted by the learned Government
Advocate, which may be completed within a stipulated period.
This Court has considered the submissions made at the
Bar and the writ petition is disposed of with the direction to the State
respondents to complete the process of election of new Governing Body
as per relevant Rules of Manipur Education Code, preferably within a
period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order
and make arrangement for interim management of the Governing Body
of Royal Academy of Law, Oinam, in terms of the Rules applicable under
the Code.
Till interim arrangement is made, the Director, University
& Higher Education, Government of Manipur shall look after the affairs
of the Governing Body of Royal Academy of Law, Oinam, Manipur.
Furnish a copy of this order to learned counsel for the
parties and to the Director, University and Higher Education, Manipur,
as well, for information.
Misc case also stand disposed of.
JUDGE
Priyojit
RAJKUMA Digitally
RAJKUMAR
signed by
R PRIYOJIT PRIYOJIT SINGH
Date: 2025.03.10
SINGH 10:07:27 +05’30’