The Delhi High Court, in an interim order, permitted a candidate to register for the JEE Advanced 2026 examination, despite being declared ineligible under the JoSAA Business Rules and the JEE Advanced Information Brochure.
The matter was heard by a Bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh in a writ petition challenging Rule XXVIII, Clauses 77 & 78 of the JoSAA Business Rules, 2025, read with Criterion A5 of the JEE Advanced 2026 Information Brochure, which bar candidates from reappearing once they have accepted or reported for a seat.
The petitioner, represented by Advocate-on-Record Tanvi Dubey, contended that the impugned provisions were being applied mechanically. It was argued that the petitioner had not physically reported to the allotted institute, and therefore should not be treated as having finally joined. The petitioner also pointed out that an email seeking a change of branch had gone unanswered, and relied on Supreme Court precedents advocating liberal interpretation of rules in exceptional circumstances involving students.
Opposing the plea, counsel for the respondents argued that the rules were clear and unambiguous, and cautioned that granting relief would open the floodgates for similar claims. Reliance was also placed on judicial precedents emphasising restraint in granting interim relief in academic and admission matters.
After hearing both sides, the Court held that the petitioner had made out a prima facie case, and that the balance of convenience lay in his favour, warranting interim protection. Accordingly, the Court directed that the petitioner be allowed to register and be issued an admit card for JEE Advanced 2026 within one week.
The Court clarified that the order is purely interim in nature, and final adjudication will take place after completion of pleadings.
During the hearing, the Court noted the importance of educational opportunities, orally observing that institutions like the IITs represent the aspirations of students from an early age, and that such considerations cannot be ignored while deciding interim relief.