Haritha Rk v. The Government Of Tamilnadu
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 19-01-2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Haritha R K D/o. Kumariananthan, 4/647-b, Teacher Colony, Sala Vaiyapuri Gounder Street, Dharmapuri-636 701.
... Petitioner Vs.
1. The Government Of Tamilnadu Rep. By its Secretary To Government, Department Of Higher Education, 9th Floor, EVK Sampath Buildings, College Road, Chennai-600 006.
2.The Commissioner, Directorate of Technical Education, 53 Sardar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai-600 025.
3.The Secretary, Tamilnadu State Council For Higher Education, Lady Willingdon College Campus, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai-600 025.
4.The District Collector, O/o. District Collectorate, Trichy-620 001.
5.The Registrar, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University, NH-45, Samayapuram, Page No.1/7
Trichy-621 112.
... Respondents For Petitioner:
M/s.Sinega BN.
For Respondents:
Mr.S.Ramachandran, for R5 Mr.M.R.Gokulakrishnan, Government Advocate, for R1 to R3 Mr.A.M.Ayyadurai, Government Advocate, for R4
ORDER
The writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the respondents to return the petitioner's original documents held by the 5th respondent University, based on the petitioner's representation dated 08.07.2025, within such time as may be fixed by this Court.
2. Upon perusing the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition, the material records and hearing the Learned Counsel for the petitioner, the grievance of the petitioner is that the petitioner got admission in B.Tech., Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Course in the 5th respondent University on 07.07.2023. The petitioner paid a sum of Rs.62,500/- towards the first semester Page No.2/7
tuition fee and Rs.80,000/- towards the first year hostel fee. Due to the family situation, the petitioner could not pay the remaining fees and decided to discontinue the petitioner's studies from the 5th respondent University. Accordingly, the petitioner made a representation for discontinuation and to return the original documents on 08.07.2025. However, the 5th respondent University is not returning the documents, namely, 10th and 12th standard mark sheets and the original transfer certificate of the petitioner. The 5th respondent University is now demanding a sum of Rs.2,86,640/- which is completely unfair according to the petitioner. Therefore, the petitioner sent a representation on 06.11.2025 and is before this Court.
3. According to the Learned Counsel for the petitioner, a composite reading of Regulation 24 of the University Grants Commission (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, it would be clear that, for non-payment of fees, the University cannot retain the original certificates of the students. Even though notice has been served, the 5th respondent shows not to contest the writ petition.
4. In view thereof, the Writ Petition is disposed of on following terms: The 5th respondent is directed to return the original certificates and such other documents retained by 5th respondent University belonging to the petitioner. Page No.3/7
This order shall be without prejudice to the right of the 5th respondent University to claim any arrears of fees in the manner known to law. The certificates shall be handed over within ten days from the date of receipt of the web copy of this order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order. There shall be no order as to costs.
19-01-2026 bsm To,
1. The Secretary To Government The Government Of Tamilnadu Department Of Higher Education, 9th Floor, EVK Sampath Buildings, College Road, Chennai-600 006.
2.The Commissioner, Directorate of Technical Education, 53 Sardar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai-600 025.
3.The Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Council For Higher Education, Lady Willingdon College Campus, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai-600 025.
4.The District Collector, O/o. District Collectorate, Trichy-620 001.
Page No.4/7
5.The Registrar, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University, NH-45, Samayapuram, Trichy-621 112.
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
bsm Page No.5/7
19-01-2026 Page No.6/7
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
Today, this matter is listed under the caption 'for being mentioned' since, in the order, dated 19.01.2026, after the cause title, prayer is not typed.
2. Therefore, the following has to be included after the cause title:- "Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue Writ of Mandamus, directing the Respondents herein to return the Petitioners Original Documents held by the 5th Respondent University based on the Petitioner's Representation dated 08.07.2025 within a reasonable time."
3. Registry is directed to include the above prayer after the cause title and issue fresh order copy.
19.02.2026 grs Page No.7/7