J.Pregash Kumar v. The Union Of India

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20.10.2023 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.SANJAY V.GANGAPURWALA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY J.Pregash Kumar ..

Petitioner Vs.

1. The Union of India Rep. by its Secretary to Government Ministry of Education North Block, New Delhi.

2. Pondicherry University Rep. by its Registrar R.V.Nagar, Kalapet, Pondicherry.

3. The Executive Council Rep. by its Ex-Officio Chairman The Vice Chancellor Pondicherry University R.V.Nagar, Kalapet Pondicherry.

4. The Vice Chancellor Pondicherry University R.V.Nagar, Kalapet Pondicherry.

..

Respondents

Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of mandamus, directing the respondents to constitute a search cum selection committee for the appointment of a regular Vice Chancellor to the Pondicherry University, in terms of S.13 of the Pondicherry University Act, 1985 and Clause (1A) of the Statutes of the Pondicherry University.

For the Petitioner : Mr.Sharath Chandran For the Respondents : Mr.K.Srinivasamurthy Senior Panel Central Govt. Standing Counsel for R1 Mr.Singaravelan Senior Counsel for Mr.Balamurugan for R2 to R4

ORDER

(Made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) Heard Mr.Sharath Chandran, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr.K.Srinivasamurthy, learned Senior Panel Central Government Standing Counsel for respondent 1 and Mr.Singaravelan, learned Senior Counsel for Mr.Balamurugan, learned counsel for respondents 2 to 4.

2. We are not inclined to entertain the present petition as a public interest litigation. The fourth respondent cannot be considered to be an appropriate party and no relief is claimed as against the fourth respondent.

3. Learned Senior Counsel appearing for respondents 2 to 4 submits that within a period of four weeks, the University would nominate its Members to the Search Committee.

4. In view of the aforesaid submission, the writ petition stands disposed of. There will be no order as to costs. Consequently, W.M.P.No.30364 of 2023 is closed.

(S.V.G., CJ.) (D.B.C., J.) 20.10.2023 Index :

Yes/No :

Yes/No drm

To

1. The Secretary to Government The Union of India Ministry of Education North Block, New Delhi.

2. The Registrar Pondicherry University R.V.Nagar, Kalapet, Pondicherry.

3. The Ex-Officio Chairman The Executive Council The Vice Chancellor Pondicherry University R.V.Nagar, Kalapet Pondicherry.

4. The Vice Chancellor Pondicherry University R.V.Nagar, Kalapet Pondicherry.

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

(drm) 20.10.2023