J.Vijith v. Annamalai University

O R D E R The present Writ Petition has been filed by 22 students who are undergoing Post Graduate Courses in the Centres for distance online education offered by the Annamalai University seeking a Mandamus to permit the petitioners to write the forth coming semester examinations at Nagercoil learning Centre Code No.019 namely Pioneer Kumaresamy College campus.

¶2The petitioners herein have joined the centres for distance online education offered by the Annamalai University in the academic year 2024-2025, January session. According to the petitioners, when they joined the course they were assured that they will have the examination Centre at Nagercoil. However, suddenly the exam centre at Nagercoil was cancelled and they have restricted the examination centres to six, which are located within four districts viz., Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai. Hence the present writ Petition.

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners submits that several girls students find it very difficult to travel to far off places to appear for the examination along with their children. When assurance was given to the petitioners, at the time of joining the course, the exam centre would be notified at Nagercoil and in violation of UGC regulations exam centres are now notified only in four districts which are closest to the University.

¶4Per contra, the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the respondent University submitted that as per Annexure-III of UGC Regulation, dated

04.09.2020 Clause 2 it is held that A University established or incorporated by or under a State Act shall offer programmes in Open and Distance Learning mode and operate all other related activities only within the territorial jurisdiction allotted to it under its Act and in no case beyond the territory of the state of its location.

¶5He also relied upon the Annamalai University Act amendment-2021, wherein territorial jurisdiction of the Annamalai University has been restricted to Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai. He further points out that the University has issued a examination notification dated 22.04.2025 fixing the centers viz., Annamalainagar, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Mayiladuthurai, Tindivanam and Villupuram. According to the University they have to follow the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations. The Annamalai University Act Amendment-2021 also provides for restricted territorial jurisdiction. He further submitted that the operation of Learner Support Centres (LSCs) which are located in territorial jurisdiction have been closed and examination centres have been restricted to four districts notified under the Act.

¶6I have considered the submissions made on either side and perused the materials available on record.

¶7The Notification for May 2025 has been issued by university on

22.04.2025 restricting the centres within four districts. Without challenging the said notification, the writ petition has been filed on 30.04.2025 seeking a Mandamus to permit the petitioners to write the examination in centres which were not notified under the notification dated 22.04.2025. When UGC Regulations restricted the territorial jurisdiction of a University and Annamalai University Act Amendment-2021 also restricts operation of the territorial jurisdiction within four districts namely, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai, the University cannot be directed by way of Mandamus to violate University Grants Commission Regulations.

¶8In view of the above said facts, this Writ Petition is not maintainable and the same is dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.

02.12.2025 NCC : Yes/No

Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No ebsi To

¶1The Registrar, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidhamparam, Cuddalore District.

2.The Vice Chancellor, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidhamparam, Cuddalore District.

3.The Director of Distance Education, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidhamparam, Cuddalore District.

¶4The Controller of Examination, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidhamparam, Cuddalore District.

¶5The Co Ordinator, Learners Support center of Annamalai University, Pioneer Kumarasamy College Campus 304/C1,1st Floor, Kottar-Parvathipuram Rd Near Parvathipuram, Nagercoil Tamil Nadu 629003. R.VIJAYAKUMAR,J. ebsi W.P(MD)No.13831 of 2025

02.12.2025

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 02.12.2025 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P(MD)No.13831 of 2025 and W.M.P(MD) Nos.9992 and 9994 of 2025 1. J.Vijith 2. P. Praveen 3. T.Asha 4. Prabha 5. T.Sterlin 6. M. Mahishma 7. D.Alins Mejil 8. Thiyagarajan 9. S.M.Veni 10. Angel Suberlin Sheeba 11.Bushra Banu 12.Sareefa Shafrin 13. Murugesan 14. Babija 15. Shalini 16. A.Nandana 17. Sowmiya 18. Abinesh 19. TR Naveen 20. Selvan 21. Abhiszheka 22. D.S. Amy ...Petitioners Vs 1.Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidhamparam Cuddalore District. Rep by its Registrar. 2.The Vice Chancellor, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidhamparam, Cuddalore District. 3.The Director of Distance Education, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidhamparam Cuddalore District. 4. The Controller of Examination, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidhamparam, Cuddalore District. 5. The Co Ordinator, Learners Support center of Annamalai University, Pioneer Kumarasamy College Campus 304/C1,1st Floor, Kottar-Parvathipuram Rd Near Parvathipuram, Nagercoil Tamil Nadu 629003. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to permit the petitioners to write the forth coming semester examinations at Nagercoil learning Centre code No.019 namely Pioneer Kumaresamy College. For Petitioners : Mr.A.Balakrishnan For R1 : Mr.M.Ajmalkhan Senior Counsel Assisted by Mr.V.Karthik Raja for M/s.Ajmal Associates