The court emphasized procedural fairness and the necessity for adequate responses in education-related judicial reviews, ensuring compliance with due process.

2 03-12-2025 Heard learned senior counsel for the petitioners, learned counsel appearing for respondent-State, learned counsel for Patliputra University as well as learned counsel for Magadh University.

2. After hearing learned senior counsel, this Court is of the view that a detail counter affidavit is required to be filed by both the respondents, i.e., Patliputra University and Magadh University.

3. Four weeks’ time is granted to both the Universities to file their respective counter affidavits giving para-wise reply to the averments made in the writ application and a copy of the same shall be served in advance to the learned senior counsel appearing for the petitioners who may file reply / rejoinder to the same within a further period of two weeks, if the petitioners so desires.

4. Issue notice to respondent Nos. 9 and 10 by both modes, i.e., Ordinary process as well as Speed Post with A.D. for which the necessary requisites must be filed by the petition- ers within two weeks, failing which this application shall stand rejected without further reference to Bench.

5. Put up this matter on 28.01.2026.

(Alok Kumar Sinha, J)