S.Dinesh v. The Controller Of Examinations

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 03-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI S.Dinesh ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Controller Of Examinations Anna University, Chennai 25.

2. The Principal 9112- Mahath Amma Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pudukottai 622 101.

..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to issue the Master of Engineering Degree Certificate to the petitioner mentioning the class as First Class.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.B.Poul For Respondent(s):

Mr.V.Bharanitharan, Special Government Pleader for R1 Order The petitioner has filed this Writ Petition to direct the respondents to issue the Master of Engineering Degree Certificate to the petitioner.

2. Case of the petitioner is that he has successfully completed his Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Computer Science under the 2nd respondent College in the month of November 2023 and had secured CGPA of 7.46, which is above the minimum requirement of 6.50 prescribed by Anna University for awarding First Class. The petitioner also received consolidated statement of Grades and the Provisional Certificate, wherein, he was awarded First Class in accordance with the Anna University Regulations. He also got appointment for the post of Assistant Professor (Artificial intelligence and Data Science) at Panimalar Engineering College and joined and continuing in service till date. While so, despite a lapse of substantial period, the respondents have not issued the original degree certificate.

When the petitioner approached the respondents seeking issuance of his degree certificate, it was informed that the class awarded to the petitioner was allegedly ''Second Class'' and not ''First Class'' and the respondents refused to issue the Degree certificate mentioning ''First Class''. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner is before this Court.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the respondents had refused to issue degree certificate mentioning ''First Class'', despite his eligibility under the Anna University Regulations, which is total violation of the principles of natural justice and further if the degree certificate was not issued, the petitioner would be prejudiced to his academic and professional career.

4. The learned counsel appearing for the respondent has drawn the attention of this Court to Clause 17.2 of Regulations 2017 of Anna University and submitted that though M.E. decree commenced on November - December 2020, the Course got completed in April-May 2023. The petitioner ought to have completed the examinations by April - May 2023. Since the petitioner completed the course only during November - December 2023, though he secured CGPA as 7.46, he is not entitled for the Degree Certificate mentioning ''First Class''.

5. Heard both sides and also perused the materials available on record.

6. Facts in the present case is not in dispute that admittedly for completion of M.E., he was given provisional certificate with First Class grade as he secured 7.46 CGPA, and he also got employment at Panimalar Engineering College and continuing in service. Now the respondent has refused to provide original certificate, stating that the petitioner has not completed the course within three years period of time as mandated under the Regulations.

7. It is relevant to extract Clause 17.2 of the said Regulations:

First Class:

A student who satisfies the following conditions shall be declared to have passed the examination in First Class: M.E/M.Tech.M.B.A. (Full Time) Should have passed the examination in all the courses of all four semesters within three years, which includes one year of authorized break of study (if availed) or prevention from writing the End Semester Examination due to lack of attendance (if applicable). Should have secured a CGPA of not less than 7.00.

8. Perusal of the clause make it clear that the petitioner has to complete the Course within a check period of three years. Admittedly the Course commenced on November - December 2020 and he completed it on November - December 2023 and further secured CGPA 7.46. Though the respondent claims that the first academic year starts on June 2020 and as such, the entire period of academics ends at June 2023 and therefore, the petitioner did not fulfil the eligibility criteria, this Court is of the view that all these aspects has to be verified by the department at the time of initial appointment and at this distance point of time when the petitioner had already served for nearly 2 years as Assistant Professor, questioning the course completion period, is unsustainable. Hence, the respondents are directed to issue degree certificate to the petitioner within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

9. This Writ Petition is allowed with the above direction. No costs. 03-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SK

To

1. The Controller Of Examinations Anna University, Chennai 25

2. The Principal 9112- Mahath Amma Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pudukottai 622 101

M.DHANDAPANI J.

sk 03-03-2026