PULWAMA — A major controversy has erupted in Kashmir’s education sector after Solace International School, Pulwama, moved court against Aakash Coaching Institute, Rajbagh, Srinagar, accusing it of misrepresenting and falsely claiming credit for the Class 10 Kashmir Division topper, who secured 100 percent marks in the recently declared board results.
In a significant legal development, the Principal District Judge (PDJ), Pulwama, has issued summons to Aakash Institute after taking cognizance of the defamation suit filed by the school. The matter is currently pending adjudication before the court.
According to the plaintiff school, the topper was a regular full-time student of Solace International School throughout the 2024–25 academic session, and the result was achieved under the exclusive academic guidance of the school’s teaching faculty.
The school has alleged that Aakash Institute, Rajbagh, publicly projected itself as having contributed to the Class 10 achievement, thereby allegedly misleading parents, students and the general public for commercial benefit.
The suit further states that the student allegedly joined Aakash Institute only after the declaration of the Class 10 results, specifically for Class 11 coaching, and that the institute had no role whatsoever in the Class 10 academic performance.
Calling it a case of “academic piracy”, Solace International School has also accused Aakash Institute of unfair trade practice, misrepresentation and damage to institutional reputation, claiming the actions were aimed at gaining admissions and public attention through misleading publicity.
The school has sought Rs 10 crore in damages, besides a permanent restraint on the institute from making such academic claims in future. It has also demanded a public apology and a clarification/correction through print and social media platforms.
Court records also note that a legal notice dated January 16, 2026 was served on the defendant earlier, and alleged non-compliance prompted the filing of the suit.
Meanwhile, the controversy has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with many questioning the growing trend of “result marketing” and the practice of institutions claiming credit for students’ achievements.
The case remains under consideration before the Principal District Judge, Pulwama.