Pushparaj.J v. Pondicherry University

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 24-02-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY and W.M.P.Nos.7400 of 2026 and 7404 of 2026 Pushparaj.J S/o. Mr. Jagadeesan.V, No.16, Mariamman Kovil Street, Vennila Nagar, Puducherry-605 013 Petitioner Vs 1.Pondicherry University, Rep. by its Registrar, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.

2.The Deputy Registrar, (Academic), Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.

3.The Dean, School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.

Respondents PRAYER Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records of the second respondent's Office Order in his proceedings in Ref. No.PU/AS/Aca-7/Stud. Disciplinary/2025/217, dated 17.12.2025 and quash the same and consequently, direct the 1st and 2nd Respondents to permit the

petitioner to enter the University campus and attend all academic practical and other essential components of the Master of Performing Arts (M.P.A.) programme enabling the petitioner to complete the degree programme. For Petitioner:

M/s.Stalin Abhimanyu For Respondent:

Mr.M.Ravi counsel for Pondicherry University, R1 to R3

ORDER

The case is listed under the caption for "Being Mentioned".

2. The matter originally came up for admission on 19.02.2026 and this Court passed the following interim order:- "Issue notice of motion returnable by 01.04.2026. Mr.Ravi, Learned Counsel, takes notice for R1 to R3. Counter affidavit, if any, shall be filed by then.

2. In the meanwhile, Mr.Stalin Abhimanyu, Learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits that neither any memorandum containing the allegations against the petitioner was served on the petitioner nor he was called upon to give any written explanation in respect of the same. Even the complaints which were weighing in the mind of the Authority while enquiring into were not furnished to the petitioner. It is true that the petitioner was called for an enquiry and then only, the order is passed. However, the opportunity is not a proper opportunity.

3. Considering the said submissions made and also the intention of the University to considering the interim order which also states that the Campus discipline has also to be maintained, the matter has to be determined one way or the other after hearing the respondent University.

4. In the meanwhile, there shall be an interim order in as much as the petitioner can attend the classes physically, on the undertaking given by the petitioner that he shall enter the University straight to the Department alone and to his classes alone and immediately after the classes/library hours are over, he will leave the University and he will not visit the other parts of the University or other blocks, without any purpose apart from his course.

5. In case the petitioner has completed the course, he will be permitted to enter the campus only to appear for examinations, subject to his written undertaking that he will not cause any hindrance or inconvenience to anyone. In case of any breach of the undertaking about the same, the University is at liberty to bring forthwith the same to the notice of this Court for appropriate orders.

6. Call this matter on 01.04.2026."

3. Before the interim order could be signed and uploaded, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the University, mentioned the matter and submitted that, the classes for the petitioner were already over and hence the matter was listed under the caption for "Being Mentioned". However, upon considering the detailed arguments, it can be seen that the petitioner was undergoing the 3rd semester classes and in that respect, it may be necessary for him to attend certain practical classes and theatrical exercises. Thereafter, it was represented on behalf of the University that in that event, an undertaking should be given by the student: firstly, that he will enter the University only for the purpose of attending classes and secondly, that he will not cause any hindrance

or inconvenience to anybody else. The said undertakings already forms part of the interim order, that is granted by this Court.

4. The petitioner is also willing to give such an undertaking.

5. The learned counsel for the University represented that the main writ petition itself can be disposed of on the above terms.

6. The concern of the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the student is that the student should not be punished without being heard. It is made clear that the above exercise shall not cause any stigma on the student.

7. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of, in terms of paragraph Nos.4 and 5 of the order dated 19.02.2026 quoted supra. It is observed that these proceedings will not cause any stigma on the student for any purpose. The petitioner shall furnish the undertaking to attend the classes, write the examinations and complete his course. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.

24-02-2026 ari

To 1.The Registrar, Pondicherry University Kalapet, Puducherry.

2.The Deputy Registrar (Academic), Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.

3.The Dean School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

ari and W.M.P.Nos.7400 of 2026 and 7404 of 2026 24-02-2026