Institute red-faced as HC won’t ban IIT topper’s book

But after a Single Judge refused to entertain the plea,FIITJEE challenged it before the Division Bench of Justices Vikramjit Sen and A K Pathak,which also refused to stay the publication or distribution of the book. “All these facts are within the personal knowledge of the author and his parents. In case the appellant disputes the same it has to prove to the contrary,for which it has to lead evidence discrediting the version of the author and his parents,” the Bench held. On Wednesday,the High Court will take up the main case regarding the permanent injunction.

In the book,Nitin has denied writing any ‘letter of appreciation’ crediting his triumph to FIITJEE and its faculty. While the letter was part of several of the institute’s advertisements and brochures after Nitin’s success,the book claimed he was “subtly pressurised” and “cajoled” into writing the letter and most of it was not true.

FIITJEE,however,claimed Nitin and his parents had given several interviews saying the institute’s role in his success was most important. FIITJEE also took offence to a statement by Nitin’s father that the institute made them make several rounds for disbursing the monetary award to the topper of their ‘Talent Reward Exam’. Moreover,the book says Nitin got just Rs 75,000 instead of the Rs 1 lakh declared.

N C Jain said the order has armed him with another reason to fight for the cause of students, who are looking to emulate his son. “The main case is listed for tomorrow and I am going to stick to all the statements made in the book,for they are absolutely true,” said Jain,adding that Nitin did not know about the legal issues as he was occupied with his second semester exam.

Despite repeated attempts,FIITJEE could not be contacted.