Prakash Vankhade And ANR v. Gokhale Institute Of Politics And Economics And ORS

913-WP-3185-2026 (C).doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION WRIT PETITION NO. 3185 OF 2026 Prakash Vankhade And Anr

...Petitioners

Versus

Gokhale Institute Of Politics And Economics And Ors

...Respondents

----------------- Ms. Sanskruti Yagnik, for the Petitioner.

Mr.S.H. Kankal, AGP for State.

Adv. Pandit Kasar, for Respondent Nos. 1 and 2. ----------------- CORAM : R. I. CHAGLA AND ADVAIT M. SETHNA, JJ.

DATED : 17th APRIL, 2026 P.C.:- 1.

Having heard the learned counsel appearing for the parties and having perused the objection raised by the learned counsel appearing for Respondent Nos. 1 and 2, we are of the view that there is an alternate remedy available to the Petitioner of preferring an appeal before the ViceChancellor, who is the Appellate Authority under Rule 37.3 of the by-laws of Gokhale Institute Polytechnic, Shivaji Nagar, Pune. The Impugned Order dated 17 October 2025 is an appealable order. 2.

In view thereof, this petition shall be treated as an appeal to be considered by the Vice-Chancellor as the Appellate Authority under the said by-laws Rule 37.3. We make it clear that, since the Petitioner has been bona fide pursuing the present writ proceedings, the limitation period of 30 days Mayur

913-WP-3185-2026 (C).doc from the date of the suspension order will not come in the way of the Petitioner's appeal being heard and decided by the Vice-Chancellor. 3.

The Vice-Chancellor, being the Appellate Authority, shall hear the Petitioner and pass a reasoned order within a period of eight weeks from the date of this order.

4.

The Petitioner has referred to various authorities in support of the petition. The same shall now be treated as part of the appeal and shall be considered by the Vice-Chancellor on its merits. The reasoned order to be passed by the Vice-Chancellor shall be in accordance with law. 5.

We have not considered the merits of the present writ petition. 6.

All rights and contentions of the parties are expressly kept open. 7.

The Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of in the above terms. [ADVAIT M. SETHNA, J.] [R.I. CHAGLA, J.] Mayur