#educational institutions

Uttarakhand State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled educational institutions do not qualify as 'service providers' under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, exempting them from refund claims for statutory functions. The decision clarifies the scope of consumer redressal for admission fee disputes in educational institutions.

Karnataka High Court directs proportionate service weightage for teachers with partial academic year service, interpreting 'completed year' under Cadre & Recruitment Regulations 2011.

Himachal Pradesh High Court sets aside a Rs. 10,000 penalty under the RTI Act, ruling that personal information of third parties is exempt under Section 8(1)(j) unless disclosure serves a larger public interest. The judgment reinforces privacy protections while mandating transparency only when accountability outweighs individual rights.

The Kerala High Court has ruled that retaining original academic documents like mark sheets, transfer certificates, and conduct certificates due to unpaid fees violates students' fundamental rights to education and dignity. This binding precedent empowers students to demand immediate return of their records, regardless of financial disputes, and holds institutions liable for obstructing academic continuity.

Bombay High Court rules that properties like hostels, canteens, and staff quarters within educational institutions fall under commercial use for tax assessment under the Maharashtra Village Panchayats Tax Rules, 2015. The judgment clarifies that Gram Panchayats must apply the prescribed formula for capital value assessment, impacting tax liabilities for educational institutions statewide.

ITAT Agra rules that educational institutions are entitled to tax exemption under Section 10(23C)(vi) from the assessment year claimed, even if registration is delayed. The tribunal prioritized substantive rights over procedural lapses, setting a precedent for similar cases where recognition certificates are pending.

Allahabad High Court rules that officiating principals in educational institutions are entitled to the higher salary of a regular principal after completing three months of service, as per the Veeresh Chandra Mishra precedent. The judgment mandates payment of arrears, reinforcing the rights of ad-hoc principals under service law.

CESTAT Bangalore rules that service tax under 'manpower recruitment service' applies solely to fees tied to actual hiring, exempting infrastructure or participation charges. The ruling clarifies the taxability threshold for educational institutions conducting campus placements, impacting compliance for similar entities.

Telangana High Court holds that retaining original academic certificates as security for unpaid fees is illegal, arbitrary, and violates Articles 14 (equality) and 300A (right to property). The court directed immediate return of documents within one week, reinforcing that educational institutions cannot use coercive measures to recover dues.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court reaffirmed that educational institutions using property solely for education are exempt from property tax under Section 136(c) of the MP Municipal Corporation Act. The ruling underscores that this exemption is absolute and not contingent on pending adjudication or administrative representations, providing clarity for similar societies and schools.

Gauhati High Court rules that procedural delays and fund shortages do not absolve authorities of their duty to evict encroachers from land allotted to public colleges. The court mandated eviction within 90 days, reimbursement of deposited amounts with 18% interest from 2017, and imposed ₹1 lakh costs on the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, reinforcing strict accountability in public land administration.

Bombay High Court holds that deliberate falsification of service book entries for pay scale benefits amounts to moral turpitude, setting a precedent for disciplinary proceedings in educational institutions.

Madras High Court rules affiliation fees collected by universities are taxable under GST, not exempt as educational services. Key implications for universities and tax practitioners.