← Library
Madras High CourtWP/21910/2026disposed of

Pandian Saraswathi Yadav Engineering College v. Anna University

2026-06-10Honourable Mr.Justice Mohammed Shaffiq8 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 10-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ Pandian Saraswathi Yadav Engineering College, Represented by its Principal, Arasanoor, Thirumansolai Post, Sivagangai District-630 561.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. Anna University, Represented by its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.

2. University Grants Commission, Represented by its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002 ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for a writ of Mandamus directing the 1st Respondent herein to scrupulously adhere to Regulation 4.2 of University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous status upon colleges and measures for maintenance of standards in autonomous colleges Regulations 2023 and forthwith notify the autonomous status granted to the petitioner college in the order of the University Grants commission in No. F.2 -10/ 2023 (AC-Policy) dated 20.04.2026 in line with the judgment in W.A. Nos.2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 02.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in S.L.P (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29233 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Kandhan Duraisami

For Respondent(s):

Mr.U.Baranidharan Standing Counsel (for R1) Ms.V.Sudha Standing Counsel (for R2)

ORDER

By consent of learned counsel on both sides, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. The present writ petition is filed praying for a writ of Mandamus to direct the 1st Respondent to adhere to Regulation 4.2 of University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous status upon colleges and measures for maintenance of standards in autonomous colleges Regulations 2023) and forthwith notify the autonomous status granted to the petitioner college in the order of the University Grants commission in No.F.2 -10/ 2023 (AC-Policy) dated 20.04.2026 in line with judgment in W.A. Nos. 2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 02.09.2025 and order of the Supreme Court in S.L.P (C) Nos. 29146 29057 and 29233 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.

3. At the outset, it is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner and respondents in unison that the issue that arises for consideration in the present writ petition stands covered by an order of this Court in W.P. No.20982 of 2026, wherein it was held as under:

" The writ petition is filed praying for a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1st Respondent herein to scrupulously adhere to Regulation 4.2. of University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and measures for maintenance of standards in autonomous colleges) Regulations 2023 and forthwith notify the autonomous status granted to the petitioner colleges in the order of the University Grants Commission in No.F.2-10/2023(AC-Policy) dated 21.04.2026 in line with the judgement in W.A.Nos. 2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 02.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in S.L.P. (C) Nos.29146, 29057 and 29233 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that petitioner is an educational institution conducting 7 UG Programmes with an annual intake of 450 students. The All India Council for Technical Education granted approval to establish petitioner institution starting from the Academic Year 2007-2008. Petitioner Institution is affiliated with Anna University. Furthermore, petitioner College is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 and is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)

3. Learned counsel would further submit that petitioner submitted an online application for the conferment of autonomous status as per University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status Upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations 2023.

However, it is stated that Anna University vide its communication dated 24.12.2025 addressed to UGC informed that petitioner College has not complied/satisfied with certain criteria prescribed by the University.

4. At this stage, learned counsel for petitioner would submit that despite Anna University refusing recommending autonomous status to the petitioner college, petitioner's application to UGC was considered and UGC has granted the petitioner's autonomous status to the college. He would then submit that the power to grant, continue, or withdraw autonomous status falls within the exclusive domain of the University Grant Commission in terms of Entry 66 of List I (Union List) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.

5. Learned counsel for petitioner would also place reliance upon the order dated 09.04.2026 whereby the University Grants Commission (UGC) communicated the conferment of autonomous status to the petitioner College. By the said order, the UGC requested Anna University to issue the necessary notification within 30 days, in terms of UGC Regulations, more particularly Regulation 4.2 which is set out hereunder:

"4.2 Issue notification within 30 days for a college to function as an autonomousentity once the autonomous status is conferred on the college by UGC."

Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that despite

the fact that more than six weeks have passed, Anna University has not issued the autonomous status, which is contrary to Regulation 4.2.

6. Learned counsel appearing for Anna University would submit that the University would issue the autonomous status certificate and notify the same within a period of six weeks.

7. The above request cannot be acceded to. In terms of Regulation 4.2 of UGC Regulations, it would be clear that duty is cast on the University to notify autonomous status within 30 days. Having failed it would not be appropriate for Anna University to request for six weeks time. In any view, this court is inclined to direct Anna University to issue and notify the autonomous status of the petitioner within a period of two weeks from the date of uploading of web copy without waiting for receipt of certified copy of the order.

8. The Writ Petition stands disposed of with the above direction. There shall be no order as to costs."

4. It is submitted that in the present case, University Grants Commission has conferred autonomous status to the petitioner College vide order dated 20.04.2026.

5. In that view of the matter, in terms of Regulation 4.2 of UGC Regulations, it would be clear that duty is cast on the University to notify autonomous status within 30 days. Anna University/ 1st respondent is directed to issue and notify the autonomous status of the petitioner within a period of two weeks from the date of uploading of web copy without waiting for receipt of certified copy of the order.

6. Accordingly, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 10-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order MKA

To:

1. The Registrar, Anna University, Chennai-600 025.

2. The Secretary, University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002.

MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ J.

MKA 10-06-2026