Manakula Vinayagar Institute Of Technology v. University Grants Commission
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 26.06.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE Mr.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN and W.M.P.Nos.27951 and 27954 of 2024 Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology, Represented by its Principal Dr.S.Malarkkan, Kalitheerthalkuppam, Medical College Campus, Puducherry - 605 107.
... Petitioner Vs.
1.University Grants Commission, Represented by its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zaffar Marg, New Delhi - 110 002.
2.The Registrar, Pondicherry University, Puducherry - 605 014.
3.The Dean, College Development Council, Pondicherry University, Puducherry - 605 014.
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4.The Director, Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Puducherry, Puducherry.
... Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the Impugned Letter vide Ref.No.PU/AW-4/MIT/2024-25/24, issued by the 3rd respondent, dated 20.08.2024, and quash the same and further direct the respondents 2 and 3 to notify the Grant of Autonomous Status to the petitioner institution as per the University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023, in pursuant to the order passed by the 1st respondent dated 13.11.2023, and further direct the respondents 2 and 3, to refund the deposit of Rs.75,00,000/- (75 lakhs) made by the petitioner institution.
For Petitioner : Mr.B.Balavijayan For Respondents : Mr.S.Thiruvengadam for R1 M/s.A.U.Bharathi for R2 & R3 Mr.J.Kumaran Additional Government Pleader (Pondy) for R4
O R D E R
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The instant writ petition has been filed with a prayer for issuing a Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the Impugned Letter vide Ref.No.PU/AW-4/MIT/2024-25/24, issued by the 3rd respondent, dated 20.08.2024, and quash the same and further direct the respondents 2 and 3 to notify the Grant of Autonomous Status to the petitioner institution as per the University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023, in pursuant to the order passed by the 1st respondent dated 13.11.2023, and further direct the respondents 2 and 3, to refund the deposit of Rs.75,00,000/- (75 lakhs) made by the petitioner institution.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the 2nd respondent has issued a letter dated 07.03.2025 granting autonomous status to the petitioner. Hence, the petitioner seeks permission of this Court to withdraw this Writ Petition with liberty to work out his remedy to refund the deposit of Rs.75,00,000/- (Rupees Seventy Five Lakhs) separately in accordance with law.
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3. Recording the above, this Writ Petition is closed. Liberty is given to the petitioner to work out his remedy for the refund of deposit amount of Rs.75,00,000/- (Rupees Seventy Five Lakhs) in accordance with law. No costs. Consequently, connected Writ Miscellaneous Petitions are also closed. 26.06.2025 jas Index : Yes/No Speaking order /Non Speaking Order To 1.University Grants Commission, 4/6
Represented by its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zaffar Marg, New Delhi - 110 002.
2.The Registrar, Pondicherry University, Puducherry - 605 014.
3.The Dean, College Development Council, Pondicherry University, Puducherry - 605 014.
4.The Director, Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Puducherry, Puducherry.
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C.KUMARAPPAN, J.
jas and W.M.P.Nos.27951 and 27954 of 2024 26.06.2025 6/6