S.V.Akshara, v. The Principal,

ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus to call for the records of the 1st respondent passed in Ref.No.VCW/126/2026 dated 19.02.2026 and to quash the same; consequently direct the respondents to condone the petitioner's attendance shortage for the 1st semester of the academic year 2025-26, permit her to continue her studies and release her mark sheets. Page2 of 6

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner joined the B.A. English Literature Course in the first respondent Autonomous College and successfully completed the first and second year examinations in her first attempt with commendable marks. It is further submitted that she has maintained an unblemished record of conduct and has never been involved in any misconduct. During the first semester of academic year 2025 of the 3rd year, the petitioner's mother suffered severe medical emergencies, underwent multiple surgeries and required prolonged hospitalisation. Owing to these unavoidable circumstances, the petitioner was unable to attend the classes.

¶3The learned counsel further contended that once the examination fees were accepted by the respondents, the petitioner cannot subsequently be denied permission to appear for the examination on the ground of shortage of attendance, as such action is arbitrary and impermissible in law. Hence, he prayed for appropriate orders.

¶4Per contra, the learned counsel for the first respondent College submitted that the College is affiliated with Bharathiar University and is bound by its regulations, which mandate a minimum of 75% attendance to be eligible Page3 of 6 for examinations. It is submitted that the College may condone shortage only when attendance falls between 65% and 74%. Where attendance is below 64%, the College has no power to condone the shortage. However, in cases where attendance is between 55% and 64%, the student may be permitted to appear for two semesters together. In the present case, as the petitioner has secured only 21% attendance, she is ineligible to appear for the 5th semester examination.

¶5This Court has carefully considered the submissions made by both sides and perused the materials available on record.

¶6It is not in dispute that the petitioner has secured only 21% attendance, which is far below the minimum requirement prescribed under the University Regulations. The regulations clearly stipulate the limits within which condonation may be granted, and beyond such limits, the authorities have no discretion to relax the requirement. The contention of the petitioner that acceptance of examination fees confers a right to appear for the examination cannot be sustained, as eligibility is governed by statutory regulations and not by administrative actions such as fee collection. Page4 of 6

¶7In view of the above, this Writ Petition is dismissed. However, there shall be a direction to the first respondent to allow the petitioner to re-do the 5th and 6th Semester. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. 30-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Asi To

¶1The Principal, Vellalar College of Women(Autonomous), Affiliated to Bharathiar University, Thindal, Erode-638012

¶2The Secretary/Correspondent, Vellalar College for Women(Autonomous), Thindal, Erode-638012

¶3The Registrar, Bharathiar University, Marudhamalai Main Road, Coimbatore-641046 Page5 of 6 WPoNo.o10474oofo2026 M.DHANDAPANI,oJ. Asi W.P.oNo.o10474oofo2026 andoW.M.P.No.11341oofo2026 30-03-2026 Page6oofo6

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 30-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P. No. 10474 of 2026 and W.M.P.No.11341 of 2026 S.V.Akshara, D/o.S.Veeraraghavan, No.66,Selvam Nagar, 2nd Street, VeerappampalayamPrivu, Perundurai Road, Erode-638012 ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Principal, Vellalar College of Women(Autonomous), Affiliated to Bharathiar University, Thindal, Erode-638012 2. The Secretary/Correspondent, Vellalar College for Women(Autonomous), Thindal, Erode-638012 3. The Registrar, Bharathiar University, Marudhamalai Main Road, Coimbatore-641046 ..Respondent(s) Page1 of 6 PRAYER: The Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus to call for the records of the 1st respondent passed in Ref.No.VCW/126/2026 dated 19.02.2026 and to quash the same, consequently direct the respondents to condone the petitioner's attendance shortage for the 1st semester of AY 2025-26 and also permit the petitioner to continue further studies and to release her mark sheets. For Petitioner(s): Mr.K.S.Jeyaganeshan For Respondent(s): Mr. M. Guruprasad for R1 and R2 Mr.I.Calvin Jones for M/s.Ajmal Associates for R3