Arjun College Of Technology v. Anna University
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 16-12-2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY W.P.No.49293 of 2025 & WP No. 49300 of 2025 WP No.48102 of 2025 & WP No.48236 OF 2025, WP NO. 48238 OF 2025, WP No.48240 OF 2025,WP No.48243 OF 2025, WP NO. 48641 OF 2025, WP NO. 48643 OF 2025,WP No.49082 OF 2025, WP NO. 48233 OF 2025, WP No. 48414 of 2025, WP NO. 48422 OF 2025 & WP NO. 48419 OF 2025 W.P.No.49293 of 2025 Arjun College Of Technology Represented By Its Principal, 310/1b, Chettiyakkapalayam, Kinathukadavu, Coimbatore District 642120.
... Petitioner Vs.
1. Anna University Represented By Its Registrar, Chennai 600025.
2.University Grants Commission Represented By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002. ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue 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 04.09.2025 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:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondents:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Mr.B.Rabu Manohar, Standing Counsel, for R2 W.P.No.49300 of 2025 Sri Muthukumaran Institute Of Technology, Rep. By Its Chairman, Dr.K.P.Gautam Srinivas, Chikkarayapuram, Near Mangadu, Chennai 600069.
... Petitioner Vs
1. The Registrar Anna University, Guindy, Chennai 600025.
2.University Grants Commission Rep. By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002. ... Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to adhere to Regulation 4.2 of University Grant Commission (Conferment of (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 as per Letter of letter of 2nd respondent dated 27.05.2025 vide F.2-10/ 2023 (AC-Policy).
For Petitioner:
Mr.T.S.Baskaran For Respondents:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Ms.V.Sudha, for R2 W.P.No.48102 of 2025 Ganesh College Of Engineering, Rep By Its Secretary, Attur Main Road, Mettupatti, Salem-636 111.
... Petitioner
Vs.
1. Anna University Rep By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025 2.University Grants Commission Rep By Its Secretary, Bahadir Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002 ... Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue of Writ of Mandamus, directing the first 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 college) 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 17.7.2025 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.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondents:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Mr.B.Rabu Manohar, Standing Counsel, for R2 WP No. 48236 of 2025 J.K.K. Nattraja College Of Engineering And Technology Rep. By Its Chairman, Lena Vilakku Pilivalam Post, 622 507 Thirumayam Taluk Pudukkottai District ... Petitioner Vs.
1. Anna University Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
2.University Grants Commission
Rep. By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002.
... Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue 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 27.05.2025 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 SLP (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29223 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025 For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondent:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Ms.V.Sudha, for R2 W.P.No. 48238 of 2025 KV Institute Of Management And Information Studies Represented By Its Principal, 545 Sathy Main Road, Kurumbalapalayam Road, Coimbatore 641 107 .... Petitioner Vs.
Anna University Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
... Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue Writ of Mandamus, directing the 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 7.01.2025 in line with the judgment in WA Nos. 2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 2.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in SLP (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29223 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondent:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, WP No. 48240 of 2025 Gnanam School Of Business Rep By Its Director,Sengipatti 613 402, Thanjavur District.
... Petitioner Vs.
Anna University Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to 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 24.04.2025 in line with the judgment in WA Nos. 2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 2.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in SLP (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29223 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondent:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, WP No. 48243 of 2025 SSM College Of Engineering Rep By Its Chairman, Salem Main Road, Komarapalayam 638 183, Namakkal District.
... Petitioner Vs.
1. Anna University Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
2.University Grants Commission Rep. By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue 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 02.06.2025 in line with the judgment in W.A.Nos. 2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 2.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in SLP (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29223 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondent:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Ms.V.Sudha, for R2
W.P.No.48641 of 2025
1. RVS Institute Of Management Studies, Rep. By Its Director, Kannampalayam, Coimbatore-641 402.
... Petitioner Vs.
Anna University, Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
... Respondent(s) PRAYER; Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue Writ of Mandamus, directing the 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 28.07.2025 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:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondent:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, WP No. 48643 of 2025 Vivekananda Institute Of Management Studies, Rep. By Its Principal, Karuvalur Road, Kovilpalayam, Coimbatore-641 107.
... Petitioner Vs.
Anna University Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
... Respondent
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue Writ of Mandamus, directing the 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 28.07.2025 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:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondent:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, W.P.No.49082 of 2025 AAA College Of Engineering And Technology, Rep By Its Principal Kamarajar Educational Road, Sivakasi-626 005 ... Petitioner Vs.
1. Anna University Rep By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
2.University Grants Commission Rep By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002 ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue 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 autonoums status granted to the petitioner college in the order of the university Grants
commission in No.F-2-10/2023(AC-Policy)dated 7.1.2025 in line with the Judgement in W.A.Nos.2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 2.9.2025 and the order of the supreme court in SLP (C)Nos.29146, 29057 and 29233 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondents:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Mr.Rabhu Manohar, for R2 W.P.No. 48233 of 2025 Info Institute Of Engineering, Rep. By its Chairperson, Sathy Road, Kovilpalayam, Coimbatore 641 107.
... Petitioner Vs.
1. Anna University Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
2.University Grants Commission Rep. By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue 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 07.01.2025 in line with the judgment in W.A.Nos.2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 2.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in SLP (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29223 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondents:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, Standing Counsel, for R1 Ms.V.Sudha, Standing Counsel, for R2 W.P.No.48414 of 2025 Dhaanish Ahmed Institute Of Technology Rep. By Its Chiarman Kandhe Gounden Chavadi, Coimbatore 641105 ... Petitioner Vs.
1. Anna University Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
2.University Grants Commission Rep. By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue 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 3.07.2025 in line with the judgment in WA Nos. 2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 2.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in SLP (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29223 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondents:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Mr.Rabhu Manohar, for R2
WP No. 48422 of 2025 Chendhuran College Of Engineering And Technology, Rep. By Its Chiarman Lena Vilakku, Pilivalam Post 622 507 Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukkottai District ... Petitioner Vs.
1. Anna University, Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
2.University Grants Commission, Rep. By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah, Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002.
... Respondents PRAYER:
Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue 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 14.10.2025 in line with the judgment in WA Nos. 2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 2.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in SLP (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29223 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondents:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Mr.Rabhu Manohar, for R2 WP No. 48419 of 2025 Dhaanish Ahmed College Of Engineering Rep. By Its Secretary, Padappai 601 301 Sriperumbudur Taluk ... Petitioner Vs
1. Anna University Rep. By Its Registrar, Chennai-600 025.
2.University Grants Commission Rep. By Its Secretary, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110 002.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue 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 2.01.2025 in line with the judgment in WA Nos. 2514, 1778 and 1840 of 2025 dated 2.09.2025 and the order of the Supreme Court in SLP (C) Nos. 29146, 29057 and 29223 of 2025 dated 15.10.2025.
For Petitioner:
Mr.Kandhan Duraisami For Respondents:
Mr.U.Bharanidharan, for R1 Mr.Rabhu Manohar, for R2 COMMON ORDER All these writ petitions are for similar reliefs and, as such, are taken up and disposed of by this common order.
2. When the matter came up for hearing, it is submitted by the Learned Counsel for the petitioners that in identical matters, orders were passed by this Court W.P.No.35 of 2025 etc. Aggrieved thereby, the respondent University also filed W.A.No.2514 of 2025 and the Division Bench also confirmed the order passed in the writ petitions and dismissed the appeals.
3. As a matter of fact, the respondent University also filed S.L.P.No.29146 of 2025 and the same was also dismissed. As such, it can be seen that these matters are also to be allowed on the same terms as in the order passed in Writ Petition No.35 of 2025. The relevant portion of the order passed in W.P.No.35 of 2025 etc., is extracted hereunder: "5.The role of the parent University is stipulated in Regulation 4 of the UGC Regulations, 2023. The relevant portion of the Regulation 4.1 and 4.2 read as follows: "4.1 To examine the application of the College for autonomous status on the UGC portal and give its recommendations, along with reasons/justification, within 30 working days on the UGC portal. If the parent University does not respond on the UGC Portal within 30 working days, it shall be presumed that the parent University has no objection to the processing of the application by the UGC for conferment of autonomous status.
4.2 Issue notification within 30 days for a College to function as an autonomous entity once the autonomous status is conferred on the College by UGC."
6. The learned counsel appearing for the UGC submitted that without considering the objections, the first respondent would not have passed orders conferring autonomous status to the petitioners. The learned counsel further submitted that in case objections were filed beyond 30 days, it could be presumed that the University had no objection under Regulation 4.1.
7.The submission of the learned counsel appearing for the UGC is recorded and in the light of the said submission and Regulation 4.2 of the UGC Regulation extracted above, the first respondent is bound to issue the notification within 30 days as per Clause 4.2 aforementioned. In this regard, the Judgment of the First Division Bench of this Court in the case of Anna University Vs. Mahendra Institute of Technology and Another in W.A.No.51 of 2020 can be usefully referred. The Court held as follows:
"14.In the said background, we are of the opinion that the 2018 Regulations framed by the University Grants Commission in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 12(f), (g), (j) r/w
26(1) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 govern the field, inasmuch as the same is clearly saved as being a Regulation duly authorized having its source in Entry 66 of List I of the Constitution of India. There is no law for the time being relating to the Regulation of grant of autonomous Colleges running contrary to the same either framed under Entry 66 of List I or entry 25 of List III. In the absence of any such legislation to the contrary, we are of the clear opinion that the 2018 Regulations clearly hold the field exclusively in the matters of grant of autonomous status to affiliated Colleges. The resolution of the Syndicate dated 27.05.2014 cannot in any way be said to have an overriding effect or even supplementary effect to the 2018 Regulations, inasmuch as the method of grant of an autonomous status is clearly defined under the 2018 Regulations and the eligibility to obtain such status is also governed by the same."
8. The aforesaid Judgment of the Hon'ble First Division Bench was confirmed by the Supreme Court in S.L.P.(Civil) Nos.8324-8325 of 2020. From a reading of the aforementioned Regulation and the Judgment of the Hon'ble First Division Bench of this Court, it is clear that the first respondent University is bound to issue the notification as mandated by Regulation 4.2 of the UGC Regulations, 2023.
9. In view of the above discussion and under the facts and circumstances of the case, I am of the view that the Writ Petitions deserve to be allowed. Hence, the Writ Petitions are
allowed with a direction to the first respondent University to notify the autonomous status granted to the petitioner Colleges' as per Regulation 4.2 of the UGC Regulations 2023, within a period of four weeks, from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.
4. Accordingly, though the Learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the University raises objections formally in these matters also, she is not in a position to dispute the above factual position that the matter has been confirmed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.
5. All these Writ Petitions are Allowed on the same terms. There shall be no order as to costs.
16-12-2025 bsm
To
1. The Registrar, Anna University Chennai - 600 025.
2. The Secretary, University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002.
W.P.No.49293 of 2025 & WP No. 49300 of 2025 WP No.48102 of 2025 & WP No.48236 OF 2025, WP NO. 48238 OF 2025, WP No.48240 OF 2025,WP No.48243 OF 2025, WP NO. 48641 OF 2025, WP NO. 48643 OF 2025,WP No.49082 OF 2025, WP NO. 48233 OF 2025, WP No. 48414 of 2025, WP NO. 48422 OF 2025 & WP NO. 48419 OF 2025 D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
This matter is listed under the caption for 'Being Mentioned'.
2. The Learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner in W.P.No.48236 of 2025 submits that in the affidavit when the name of petitioner is correctly mentioned as J.K.K.Nattraja College of Engineering & Technology run by J.K.K.Rangammal Charitable Trust represented by its Trustee, Komarapalayam 638183, Thiruchengodu Taluk, Namakkal District.
2. In the Writ Petition, by way of cut and paste mistake, the name of the petitioner was erroneously mentioned and that has been carried out in the order copy.
3. Accordingly, the bundle is handed over in open Court to the Learned Counsel for the petitioner to correct the mistake of the cause title in the Writ Petition No.48236 of 2025 and other places also.
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
bsm
4. The Registry is directed to carry out the correction and mention the name of the petitioner in W.P.No.48236 of 2025 as J.K.K.Nattraja College of Engineering & Technology run by J.K.K.Rangammal Charitable Trust represented by its Trustee, Komarapalayam 638183, Thiruchengodu Taluk, Namakkal District.
5. The Registry is further directed to upload the corrected copy of the order and to issue a fresh order copy.
19.12.2025 bsm
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
bsm W.P.No.49293 of 2025 & WP No. 49300 of 2025 WP No.48102 of 2025 & WP No.48236 OF 2025, WP NO. 48238 OF 2025, WP No.48240 OF 2025, WP No.48243 OF 2025, WP NO. 48641 OF 2025, WP NO. 48643 OF 2025, WP No.49082 OF 2025, WP NO. 48233 OF 2025, WP No. 48414 of 2025, WP NO. 48422 OF 2025 & WP NO. 48419 OF 2025 19-12-2025