Parichay Yadav v. Pondicherry University
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 11.09.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN W.P.No.866 of 2022 and W.M.P.Nos.946, 947, 949 and 952 of 2022 Parichay Yadav .....
Petitioner Vs
1. Pondicherry University Rep by its Registrar, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.
2. The Vice Chancellor-cum-the Chairperson, Executive & Academic Council, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.
3. The Deputy Registrar (Academic) Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.
.....
Respondents Prayer:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, praying to call for the records of the 3rd respondent in his proceedings in No.PU/AS/Aca7/Disciplinary Action/2021-22/410 dated 17.12.2021, quash the same and consequently appoint a committee headed by a retired Judge of this
Hon'ble Court to monitor, regulate and determine the fee structure at the respondents University.
For Petitioner : Mr.Stalin Abimanyu For Respondents : Mr.M.Ravi Standing Counsel
ORDER
The petitioner has filed this petition to call for the records of the 3rd respondent in his proceedings dated 17.12.2021 and quash the same.
2. The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner was a student of the respondent University and had completed his course in September 2021. The Pondicherry University Students' Council is the legitimate student body representing the interest of the students of Pondicherry University. It is the grievance of the petitioner that the respondents constituted a committee for the revision of fee for PG degree Courses and Ph.D.Courses and also published the new fees structure in the prospectus for admissions for the academic year 2019-2020, with an exorbitant fee hike of 200%. Aggrieved by the same, the students' Council undertook an indefinite Hunger Strike.
3. In turn, the respondent University had filed W.P.No.6016 of 2020 before this Court and this Court, after hearing both the parties, suggested the students to withhold their protest and participate in negotiations with the University to resolve the issue. However, the respondents did not conduct any negotiations as directed by this Court. Subsequently, the 1st respondent issued a circular on 17.03.020 inviting the Students' Council for negotiations on 23.03.2020 in compliance with the order of this Court. However, it is alleged that the impugned Circular dated 17.03.2020 was issued against the petitioner, immediately the day after circular to evacuate the students from the Campus, was circulated. Aggrieved by the said impugned order, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.
4. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that, though more than 1000 students had participated in the agitation against an exorbitant fee hike of 200%, only the petitioner alone has been singled out by the respondents. Further, no notice was issued to the petitioner informing him that his case had been referred to the disciplinary committee and he was directed to appear before the
Committee. Without even framing any charge, the Disciplinary committee, after two months of silence, has passed the impugned order dated 17.12.2021, debarring the petitioner from admission to any courses/programmes offered by the Pondicherry University for the next five years commencing from the Academic Year 2021-2022 and also imposing a fine of Rs.10,000/-. He further submitted that if the petitioner is debarred for five years, he would suffer irreparable loss in his future life. However, without prejudice to his right, the petitioner is ready and willing to pay a sum of Rs.10,000/- towards the alleged damage caused to the respondent University. Hence, he prays for quashment of the same.
5. The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondent University submitted that, on payment of Rs.10,000/-, the original certificates would be issued to the petitioner and a conduct certificate would also be issued in his favour without any adverse remarks. He further submitted that since the petitioner has agreed not to pursue his further studies in the respondent University and has expresed his readiness to pay the amount of Rs.10,000/- imposed on him, this Court may set aside the debarment inflicted on the petitioner. He also
submitted that, insofar as the students having arrears, they would be permitted to appear for the arrear examinations and complete their course in the respondent University.
6. This Court has carefully considered the rival submissions and also perused the materials placed before it.
7. In view of the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing on either side and without going into the merits of the issue, this Court sets aside the order of debarment imposed on the petitioner under the impugned order, while recording the undertaking of the petitioner that he shall not pursue any further course in the respondent University. However, the petitioner is directed to pay a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only), within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. On such payment, the respondents are directed to return all the original certificates and also issue a conduct certificate without adverse remarks, so as to enable the petitioner to pursue higher studies in any other University.
8. In the result, this Writ Petition stands allowed in the above terms. Consequently connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. No costs.
11.09.2025 Internet : Yes Index : Yes/No Lpp To
1. The Registrar, Pondicherry University Kalapet, Puducherry.
2. The Vice Chancellor-cum-the Chairperson, Executive & Academic Council, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.
3. The Deputy Registrar (Academic) Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.
G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.
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