Sarapoji Sanjith v. The State

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 29-01-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Sarapoji Sanjith Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The State, Higher Educational Department, 6th floor, Namakkal Kavingar maligai, Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai 09.

2.The Principal, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Vadapalani Campus, Chennai 026.

3. The Inspector of Police, Nandambakkam Police Station, St.Thomas Mount, Chennai.

[R3 impleaded as per the order of this Court dated 29.01.2026] Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent herein to consider the petitioner's representations dated 29.08.2025 and 25.10.2025 and permit the petitioner for continuing his study with the 2nd respondent's college by cancelling the suspension order dated 30.07.2025.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.A.N.Siva Velu For Respondent:

Mr.A.M.Ayyadurai, Government Advocate for R1 Mr.J.Subbiah, Government Advocate for R3

ORDER

Mr.A.M.Ayyadurai, learned Government Advocate, takes notice for first respondent. Mr.J.Subbiah, learned Government Advocate, takes notice for third respondent.

2. This Writ Petition is being disposed of at the stage of admission itself with the consent of the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate for the respondents 1 & 3.

3. This Writ Petition is filed for writ of mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent herein to consider the petitioner's representation dated 29.08.2025 and 25.10.2025 and permit the petitioner for continuing his study in 2nd respondent college by cancelling the suspension order dated 30.07.2025.

4. Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner, the grievance of the petitioner is that the petitioner was caught red handed of possessing Methamphetamine drug and a case was registered in Crime No.66 of 2025 on

01.06.2025 before the Nandambakkam Police Station. The petitioner was suspended from the course of BCA (Data Science Programme), which he was undergoing in the 2nd respondent-college.

5. The contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner and the gist of the representation, is that merely on the registration of the First Information Report (FIR), the student cannot be jeopardised and his education cannot not put to an end. Prolonged suspension affects the petitioner. According to the petitioner, the case itself is a false case.

6. There can be now two opinions that a person cannot be branded as if he committed the offence merely on the registration of the FIR. The presumption of the innocence is always there, and merely because of the FIR is registered, his career itself cannot be prejudiced. At the same time, the Court has also to balance the overwhelming public interest, especially when the petitioner is said to be involved in an offence relating to the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and was found to be in possession of drug by name 'Methamphetamine' and for the alleged offence, the case was also registered in Crime No.66 of 2025 by the 3rd respondent/police.

7. In view thereof, by way of balancing the public interest as well as the

grievance expressed by the petitioner, this Writ Petition is disposed of on the following terms:

(i)The Investigating Authority in Crime No.66 of 2025 shall expedite the investigation and complete the same and file a final report in accordance with law, within a period of two (2) months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order.

(ii) Depending upon the outcome of the final report, it is open to the petitioner to make a fresh representation before the 2nd respondent college and the same will be considered in accordance with law. (iii) No costs.

29-01-2026 Jd Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes

To

1. The State, Higher Educational Department, 6th floor, Namakkal Kavingar maligai, Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai 09.

2.The Principal, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Vadapalani Campus, Chennai 026.

3. The Inspector of Police, Nandambakkam Police Station, St.Thomas Mount, Chennai.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY J.

Jd 29-01-2026