In Brief
FORE School of Management sought approval from AICTE to increase seats but received only extension of existing approval. Despite lacking permission, it admitted 51 students in excess of approved capacity. AICTE subsequently rejected the increase request and imposed a penalty of ₹23.1 crore. The Court held that while the institution's conduct was entirely illegal and it could not unilaterally exceed approved capacity, setting aside student admissions would unfairly punish innocent students. The Court upheld AICTE's penalty as properly calculated under regulation and directed the institution to pay the balance due after adjusting deposited amounts, and awarded degrees to eligible students."
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.