Bijin B v. The Government Of Tamil Nadu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 12.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN Bijin B ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary to Government, Department of Higher Education, 9th Floor, EVK Sampath Buildings, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

2. The Vice Chancellor, Guindy, Chennai - 600 025.

3. The Director, Centre for Student Affairs, Guindy, Chennai - 600 025.

4. The District Collector, O/o. District Collectorate, Dharmapuri District.

5. The Principal,

Sapthagiri College of Engineering, Periyanahalli, Dharmapuri - 635205.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first to fourth respondents herein to return the petitioner's Original certificates held by the fifth respondent College based on the petitioner's representation dated 29.04.2025 within a reasonable time.

For Petitioner : M/s.B.N.Sinega For Respondents: Mr.S.Arumugam, Government Advocate (for R1 & R4) Mr.U.Baranidharan, Standing Counsel (for R2 & R3)

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed directing the first to fourth respondents herein to return the petitioner's original certificates held by the fifth respondent College, based on the petitioner's representation dated 29.04.2025, within a reasonable time.

2. Heard the learned counsel for both sides and perused the materials available on record.

3. The petitioner had joined a B.E. Degree course in the fifth respondent college, which is affiliated to the second respondent University. He was given admission through lateral entry in the fifth respondent college considering his diploma. He paid a sum of Rs.30,000/- as semester fee and Rs. 4,500/- as exam fee. Thereafter, due to his family circumstances, the petitioner could not continue his studies. Therefore, he discontinued from the fifth respondent college.

4. Thereafter, the petitioner submitted a representation seeking return of his original certificates and transfer certificate. However, the fifth respondent demanded a sum of Rs. 1,50,000/- as arrears of fee to release the petitioner's original certificates. The fifth respondent has no right to hold the original certificates of the petitioner. Further, recognizing the value of the certificates, more than the petitioner, the respondents should have come forward to return the certificates. The fifth respondent cannot hold them as a lien for recovery of the discontinuation

fees. The law provides lawful methods to recover a debt.

5. In view of the above, this Court directs the fifth respondent to return all the original certificates, along with the transfer certificate, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

12.09.2025 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No Speaking/non-speaking order kv To

1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary to Government, Department of Higher Education, 9th Floor, EVK Sampath Buildings, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

2. The Vice Chancellor,

Guindy, Chennai - 600 025.

3. The Director, Centre for Student Affairs, Guindy, Chennai - 600 025.

4. The District Collector, O/o. District Collectorate, Dharmapuri District.

5. The Principal, Sapthagiri College of Engineering, Periyanahalli, Dharmapuri - 635205.

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

kv 12.09.2025