Logesh v. The Registrar

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 24.02.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH Logesh : Petitioner Vs.

1. The Registrar, Anna University, Chennai.

2. The Vice Chancellor, Anna University, No.12, Sardhar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai.

3. The Principal, Mahath Amma Institute of Engineering and Technology, Annavasal Road, Ariyur, Pudukkottai District.

: Respondents P RAYER:

Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to permit the petitioner for attending the class as well as write the upcoming exam scheduled to be held on 28.02.2025 in the 3rd respondent`s 1/6

Institution, based on the petitioner's representation dated 28.01.2025. For Petitioner : Mr.G.Mathavan For Respondents : Mr.E.V.N.Siva for R1 and R2

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the third respondent to permit the petitioner to attend the class and appear for the upcoming examination scheduled to be held on 28.02.2025, in the third respondent's Institution, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 28.01.2025.

2. The petitioner claims that he is currently in the final year of studies at the third respondent's institution. While residing in the hostel, the petitioner raised a complaint regarding the food provided to the students. In retaliation, his name was included in the action taken against certain other students. The petitioner's grievance is that, without being provided an opportunity to present his case, a suspension order was circulated in the college WhatsApp group. In this regard, the petitioner 2/6

submitted a representation on 28.01.2025. However, as no action has been taken on the representation, the petitioner has now filed the present Writ Petition.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents 1 and 2. Having regard to the nature of the order proposed to be passed in this writ petition, notice to the third respondent is dispensed with.

4. It is needless to point out that whenever a representation of this nature is made to a Statutory Authority, there is a duty cast upon him to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in one way or other, instead of keeping the same pending indefinitely. As such, non-consideration of the representation by the Statutory Authority would amount to dereliction of duty and hence, this Court will be justified in invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and direct them to consider the same within a stipulated time.

3/6

5. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the third respondent, to consider the petitioner's representation dated 28.01.2025, on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, after giving due opportunity to the petitioner, as well as all other persons, who may be interested in the subject matter, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is also made clear that this Court has not expressed any of its views with regard to the merits of the matter and that it is open to the third respondent to consider the same on its own merits.

6. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 24.02.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No PKN 4/6

To

1. The Registrar, Anna University, Chennai.

2. The Vice Chancellor, Anna University, No.12, Sardhar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai.

3. The Principal, Mahath Amma Institute of Engineering and Technology, Annavasal Road, Ariyur, Pudukkottai District.

5/6

VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.

PKN W.P.(MD) No.4888 of 2025 24.02.2025 6/6