G.Maheswari v. The University Grants Commission (Ugc)

ORDER This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 2nd respondent University to consider the Petitioner's representation dated 29.01.2026 for renewal of her Ph.D. registration and permit her to continue the Ph.D. course as an External Scholar.

¶2It is stated that the petitioner has been working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Technology in the 2nd Respondent University since 2022. Simultaneously, she has been pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the academic year 2022 as an Internal Scholar in the research area relating to a multimodal medical diagnostic framework using deep learning techniques. It is stated that the Petitioner has successfully completed five papers in the Ph.D. programme and is presently pursuing the final paper.

¶3According to the petitioner, due to alleged harassment and mental stress caused by certain staff members, she was constrained to submit her resignation on 04.11.2025. A departmental enquiry was conducted on the same day and thereafter she submitted a detailed explanation on 19.12.2025, but no orders have been passed till date.

¶4While so, the 2nd respondent issued a Notification dated 08.01.2026 calling for renewal of Ph.D. registration for the January 2026 session, fixing the last date as 29.01.2026. She submitted her renewal application along with a representation dated 29.01.2026 expressing her willingness to convert her status from Internal Scholar to External Scholar and to pay the requisite fees. It is her case that despite payment of Rs.53,000/- towards Ph.D. fees on 24.06.2025 and submission of all required documents, her application has not been considered.

¶5Aggrieved by the non-consideration of the said representation, the present writ petition has been filed.

¶6Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that it would suffice, if a direction is issued by this Court to consider the petitioner's representation dated

29.01.2026 seeking permission to submit renewal application of the petitioner for PH.D. course as well as allow the petitioner to continue the said course as a an external scholar.

¶7Per contra, learned counsel appearing for the 2nd respondent submitted that the petitioner's representation dated 29.01.2026 will be considered on its own merits and appropriate orders will be passed within a reasonable time frame.

¶8Heard the submissions made by learned counsel on either side and perused the entire records.

¶9Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is of the view that no prejudice would be caused to the respondents if the petitioner's representation is considered in accordance with the applicable regulations.

¶10In view of the above, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the claim, this Court directs the 2nd respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 29.01.2026, seeking renewal of her Ph.D. registration and conversion of status, and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶11With the above directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

17.03.2026 Index : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking order vsi2

M. DHANDAPANI, J. vsi2 To

¶1The University Grants Commission

(UGC) Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg New Delhi 110002.

2.The Vice Chancellor Science Kelambakkam 603103

3.The Registrar Science Kelambakkam 603103

4.The Head Of The Department (hod) Department of Information Technology Science Kelambakkam 603103.

5.The Supervisor Department of Information Technology Science Kelambakkam 603103.

6.The Ph.D. Coordinator Department of Information Technology Science Kelambakkam 603103.

17.03.2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 17.03.2026 CORAM: THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI G.Maheswari Petitioner Vs 1. The University Grants Commission (UGC) Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg New Delhi 110 002. 2.The Vice Chancellor Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Kelambakkam 603 103 3.The Registrar Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Kelambakkam 603 103 4.The Head of The Department (HOD) Department of Information Technology Science Kelambakkam 603 103. 5.The Supervisor Department of Information Technology Science Kelambakkam 603 103. 6.The Ph.D. Coordinator Department of Information Technology Science Kelambakkam 603103. Respondents PRAYER :Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 29.01.2026 seeking to permit the petitioner to submit the Ph.D course renewal application and to allow the petitioner to continue the Ph.D course as an external scholar in accordance with law. For Petitioner : Mr.G. Santhanu For Respondents : Ms.V. Sudha, Sr. Central Govt. Standing Counsel for R1 Ms.Vandana for Ms. Surana & Surana for R2 to R5 R6 – Served – No appearance