R.Keerthana Mani v. The Annamalai University

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 18.02.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.35723 of 2025 and W.M.P(MD)Nos.28316 & 28319 of 2025 R.Keerthana Mani

...Petitioner

Vs The Annamalai University, Represented by its Registrar, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram - 608 002.

Cuddalore District.

... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorari calling for the records relating to the impugned Proceedings in File No.AU/LEGAL SECTION/440/2025 dated 16.10.2025 issued by the respondent and quash the same as illegal. For Petitioner : M/s.V.R.Shanmuganathan for M/s.S.Meena For Respondents : Mr.V.Karthick Raja Standing Counsel for M/s.Ajmal Associates 1/6

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking to quash the order passed by the respondent University, wherein B.A.(Tamil) decree obtained by the writ petitioner has been declared as invalid.

2. A perusal of the impugned order dated 16.10.2025 reveals that the petitioner had got admission to B.A.(Tamil) programme under distance education mode in the year 2015. As per the impugned order, the petitioner was also simultaneously studying Engineering course in Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi, Sivagangai District, in the same year 2015. As per the impugned order, since the petitioner has pursued two degree programmes simultaneously, the degree obtained by the petitioner namely B.A.(Tamil) held to be invalid.

3. According to the learned Counsel appearing for the writ petitioner, the petitioner had discontinued her B.E. Engineering Course in the Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi, Sivagangai District, and therefore, she had not pursued two degrees at any point of time simultaneously. He further submitted that B.A.(Tamil) degree obtained by her has been cancelled without putting her on notice or conducting enquiry. 2/6

4. Per contra, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondent University relying upon his counter and prospectus, had submitted that as per UGC regulation, a candidate cannot pursue two degrees simultaneously. The petitioner having pursued the two decrees, the University had proceeded to pass the present impugned order and he prayed for sustaining the order impugned in the writ petition.

5. I have considered the submissions made on either side and perused the materials available on record.

6. It is the allegation of the respondent University that the petitioner has pursued two decrees simultaneously. However, the learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the petitioner had discontinued the course which she was pursuing in the Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi, Sivagangai District. Therefore, it has to be verified whether the petitioner has pursued two courses simultaneously or not. Unless a notice is issued to the petitioner and enquiry is conducted, the said fact cannot be found out. Without issuing notice to the petitioner or conducting any enquiry, the present impugned order has been passed which has declared the degree 3/6

obtained by the petitioner as invalid. The declaration of degree as invalid will have serious consequences. Therefore, the order is clearly in violation of principal of natural justice.

7. In view of the above said facts, the order impugned in the writ petition is hereby set aside and the matter is remitted back to the file of the respondent herein. The respondent University is directed to issue a show cause notice to the writ petitioner and based upon the explanation to be offered by the petitioner, the respondent is at liberty to pass orders.

8. With the above said observations, this writ petition stands allowed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are also closed. 18.02.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR 4/6

To The Registrar, The Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram - 608 002.

Cuddalore District.

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R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.35723 of 2025 18.02.2026 6/6