In Brief
The Supreme Court considered whether membership certificates awarded by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (India) following biannual examinations can be treated as equivalent to engineering degrees for government employment. The institution conducts examinations but does not impart formal education or training. The Court held that certificates from institutions not authorized by the UGC Act cannot be deemed equivalent to degrees, as this would circumvent statutory law. AICTE approval is required for technical education courses. However, students enrolled before 31.05.2013 retain the benefit of Government recognition previously granted. The appellant's application for clarification was dismissed.
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