Harisanker A v. The Secretary To Government
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 16.09.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN W.P.No21663 of 2025 Harisanker A ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Secretary To Government Higher Education Department Government of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Chennai 600009 2.The District Collector, Chengalpattu Distrct, Collector Office, Chengalpattu 603 001 3.The Registrar, Faculty of Engineering And Technology, SRM Institute of Science And Technology, Kattankulathur Campus Tamil Nadu 603 203 ... Respondents PRAYER:
Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus Directing the respondents to permit the petitioner to enroll and complete the final semester of the B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur.
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For Petitioner : Mr.D.Mario Johnson For R1 & R2 : Mr.M.R.Gokul Krishnan Additional Government Pleader For R3 : Mrs.B.Sarawathi
ORDER
The writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to permit the petitioner to enrol and complete the final semester of the B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, the 3rd respondent herein.
2. The petitioner had joined the 3rd respondent institution for pursuing the B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) and had successfully completed seven semesters. However, while so, on 09.11.2024, the petitioner was arrested in connection with Crime No.728 of 2024, registered for the offences punishable under Sections 8(c), 22(c) and 29(1) of NDPS Act. He was granted bail by this Court on 29.01.2025.
3. Due to his arrest and the pending case, the petitioner was unable to enrol for the 8th semester within the stipulated time i.e., on or before 2/6
21.01.2025. In the light of the above, the petitioner has submitted a representation to the authorities, requesting permission to enrol himself and complete the final semester of the said course at the 3rd respondent university.
4. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that a similarly placed student, who was arrayed as 3rd accused in same Crime number, was permitted to enrol belatedly and allowed to complete B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) program. Further, as per the regulations, late enrolment is permissible with special permission from the respective Heads of Department.
5. However, the counter affidavit filed by the 3rd respondent added two more sentence, stating that such special permission for late enrolment must be obtained not later than two weeks from the date of commencement of classes.
6. On perusal of the counter affidavit filed by the 3rd respondent and the submissions made, it is revealed that a similarly placed student, who was also involved in the same FIR, was also permitted to enrol for 3/6
the eighth semester. However, it is noted that his father approached the 3rd respondent and enrolled him by stating that his son was unwell, while suppressing the fact that the student had been arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
7. As per the academic regulations, a student is required to attend all three internal reviews and one final review with an external examiner during the eight semesters. It is also mandatory for students to attend atleast two meetings per week to maintain attendance. Before the final review, the project report must be completed and duly signed by the Head of Department. Only then is the student eligible to appear for the final semester evaluation. Internal marks are awarded based on continuous assessment, attendance and participation in reviews.
8. In the present case, though the petitioner sought permission for late enrolment, the time line for the eighth semester has already lapsed and no useful purpose would be served by granting relief at this stage. It is further noted that fresh enrolment for the eighth semester will commence only in December 2025 and the semester will begin in January 2026.
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9. Admittedly, the petitioner was released on bail only on 29.01.2025, whereas the eighth semester enrolment window closed on 21.01.2025, having opened on 06.01.2025. Since the petitioner was under judicial custody, he was unable to enrol within the stipulated time.
10. In view of the above, the Writ Petition stands dismissed. No costs. However, the petitioner is at liberty to enrol himself for the eighth semester in January 2026. The 3rd respondent is directed to permit the petitioner to enrol for the eighth semester and to attend all required internal reviews and final review before his respective guide, subject to fulfilling all other academic requirements.
16.09.2025 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order rpl G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.
rpl To 1.The Secretary to Government Higher Education Department Government of Tamil Nadu, 5/6
Secretariat, Chennai 600009 2.The District Collector, Chengalpattu Distrct, Collector Office, Chengalpattu 603 001 16.09.2025 6/6