Arockia Celestina Matilda v. The Chairman-Cum-Vice Chancellor

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 24.10.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE K.KUMARESH BABU and WMP(MD)No.20246 of 2025 Arockia Celestina Matilda ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Chairman-Cum-Vice Chancellor, Mother Teresa Womens University, Kodaikanal, Dindigul District.

2. The Registrar, Mother Teresa Womens University, Kodaikanal, Dindigul District ... Respondents PRAYER :- Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorari calling for the records pertaining to the memos dated 03.09.2025 and 09.09.2025 issued by the 2nd respondent in her proceeding Nil and quash the same as illegal. For Petitioner : Mr.T.Leninkumar, For Respondents : Mr.N.Shanmuga Selvam 1/5

ORDER

This Petition is filed challenging the memos dated 03.09.2025 and 09.09.2025 issued by the 2nd respondent.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that series of show cause notices were issued against the petitioner on the basis of anonymous complaints containing concocted and defamatory allegations. He would submit that such memos are vague, trival and unsupported. Based on the same, the respondent is trying to place him in a disadvantageous position and impose an unreasonable punishment upon him. Hence, he seeks interference of this Court.

3. Countering his arguments, the learned counsel appearing for the respondent would contend that the preliminary notices calling upon her to offer an explanation / clarification, is to decide whether to proceed or not to proceed further. He would further submit that such memos are administrative in nature and are intended only to afford the petitioner an opportunity to submit an explanation before taking any action. He would 2/5

further submit that as the petitioner had not offered her explanation, it is for the respondent has to decide whether to initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings against her, as per the statute of the University. Therefore, he prays this Court to dismiss the writ petition.

4. I have heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the material available on record.

5. This Court is not inclined to enter upon the merits of the allegations made in the show cause issued to the petitioner. Further, in the impugned memo dated 09.09.2025, it could be seen that there is a categorical statement calling upon the petitioner to explain to the memos as to why disciplinary action should not be initiated against the petitioner. The learned Counsel had also categorically stated that these are only preliminary show cause notices calling upon her explanations and that if such explanation is found satisfactorily, the disciplinary proceedings would be dropped; otherwise appropriate disciplinary proceedings would be initiated, as per the relevant statute. 3/5

6. For the aforesaid reasons, the writ petition stands disposed of with a direction to the petitioner to submit her response to the memos within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and thereafter, it is open to the respondent University to proceed in accordance with the statute of the University. No order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. 24.10.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No LS TO

1. The Chairman-Cum-Vice Chancellor, Mother Teresa Womens University, Kodaikanal, Dindigul District..

2. The Registrar, Mother Teresa Womens University, Kodaikanal, Dindigul District.

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K.KUMARESH BABU,J.

LS WP(MD) No.25881 of 2025 24.10.2025 5/5