Karnataka State Open University v. Albert Augustine and others

## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** **PRESENT:** **THE HONOURABLE THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE MR.ANTONY DOMINIC & THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE** **MONDAY, THE 20TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2017/29TH KARTHIKA, 1939** **WA.No. 1269 of 2017** **---------------------------------** **AGAINST THE JUDGMENT IN W.P(C).NO. 19539 OF 2016(N), DATED 13-12-2016 ---------------** ## **APPELLANT(S)/RESPONDENTS 1 & 3 IN THE W.P(C) :** **1. KARNATAKA STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY, MUKATHAGANGOTRI, MYSORE- 570 006, REPRESENTED BY ITS REGISTRAR.** **2. DEPUTY REGISTRAR (ADMISSIONS) KARNATAKA STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY, MUKTHAGANGOTRI, MYSORE- 570 006.** **BY ADVS. T.P.REJENDRA KUMAR SUNGAY SRI.P.A.MOHAMMED SHAH** **RESPONDENT(S)/PETITIONERS AND RESPONDENTS 2,4 AND 5 IN THE WRIT PETITION :** **1. ALBERT AUGUSTINE, S/O.AUGUSTINE A.F., AKKATTAYIL (H), PULIKURUMBA (P.O), NADUVIL (VIA), KANNUR-670 582.** **2. AMALJITH P.V., MYLAPRAVEN HOUSE, PARIPPAYI, CHENGALAYI (P.O), KANNUR DISTRICT.** **3. AMALDEV PRADEEP, ANITHA NIVAS, S.N.PARK, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN- 670 001.** **4. RAHUL C.H., SOUDHA NIVAS, VARAM (P.O), CHELORA, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN- 670 594.** **5. VISHNU.K, KURUMPATTA, IRITTY P.O., KANNUR, PIN- 670 703.** **..2/-** **..2..** ## **WA.No. 1269 of 2017** ## **---------------------------------** **6. SHARON K.K., SNEHA NIVAS, THATTIYODE (P.O.) KOODALI, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN- 670 592.** **7. ADHARSH N.V, ANJANAM, ESHWARAH THAZZA, PERUNTHATTIL P.O, THALASSERI, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN- 670 107.** **8. ATHUL .O., ATHUL NIVAS, KOTHERI (P.O), MATTANUR, KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN- 670 702.** **9. RIJIL P, S/O VALSAN.K., VANIYANKANDI HOUSE, URUVACHAL (P.O), KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 702.** **10. SHARATH KUMAR P, S/O.SASEENDRAN P.P. PADINHARE PURAYIL, NEAR KARIKKANKULAM, PAPPINISSERY WEST P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 561.** **11. ATHUL P.P., PARAPRAMBATHH HOUSE, CHALA EAST P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN- 670 621.** **12. NIKHIL.P., PUTHUVAKKARA HOUSE,** - **KOTHERI P.O., MATTANUR, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 702.** **13. SHIJIN C., SHYNE NIVAS, MANGATTIDOM P.O., VATTIPRAM, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 643.** **14. RASIN.T., THAIKATH HOUSE, MUZHAPPILANGAD P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 662.** **15. RAHUL RAMAN, SREENILAYAM, MOZHIKKARA P.O. THALASSERI, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 103.** **16. PRAJEESH.P, SARADALAYAM, MUZHAPPILANGAD P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 662.** **17. YASWANTH K.P, KALLALATHIL HOUSE, KURUVA P.O., KADALAYI, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 009.** **..3/-** **..3..** ## **WA.No. 1269 of 2017** ## **---------------------------------** **18. PRAGOON K.K, KURUPPAKANDY HOUSE, MUZHAPPILANGAD P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 662.** **19. GOKUL P.P., PUTHAN PURAYIL HOUSE, TATTIYODE P.O., KOODALI, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 592.** **20. PRASOON.R., REVATHI NIVAS, KIZHUTHALLY PO, THAZHECHOVVA, KANNUR DISTRICT- 629 501.** **21. ATHUL M.C,** - **C.K.HOUSE, VELAYI, MUTHIRNGA P.O., PATHAYAKKUNNU, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 001.** **22. SREEHARSH, C.C., HARSHA NVAS, PATHIRIYAD P.O., PINARAYI, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 741.** **23. O.K. MOHAMED PARVEZ, SHAZZ HOUSE, 'KANNUTHUMCHAL' NEAR BPL TOWER PO THANA, KANNUR- 670 012.** **24. NITHIN BENNY N., NADOOPARAMBIN, ERUVATTY P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 642.** **25. ADARSH T.K, THOONERIKANDIYIL HOUSE, UMMATHOOR, PARAKKKADAVU (P.O), KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 633.** **26. ATHUL.M.M, PREMALAYAM, KUTTIATTOOR P.O, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 592.** **27. SHABEER K.K,** - **K.K.HOUSE, AMBALAKULAM, MELECHOVVA (P.O), KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 006.** **28. KARTHIK.P., SREENILAYAM, THIRUVANGADU, MANJODI, THALASSERI, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 103.** **29. JIJITH RAMESH, KOOLOTHVALAPPIL HOUSE, KANUL P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 564.** **..4/-** **..4..** **WA.No. 1269 of 2017** **---------------------------------** **30. AKHIL MATHEW, KOCHUVELIKKAKATHU HOUSE, VANIYAPPARA, CHARAL (P.O), KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 706.** **31. HARSHITH V.K,** - **THULUVANKUNNUMMAL HOUSE,' UMMATHUR, PARAKKADAVU P.O., KOZHIKODE DISTRICT- 673 509.** **32. VISHNU SHAJI, PARAPPALLIL HOUSE, ECHILANPARA, PUDIYOTCHAL P.O. KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 607.** **33. SREEHARI.A.V., SREERAGAM, ADOOR, KADACHIRA P.O. KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 621.** **34. DEERAJ DIVAKARAN, THUYYATH HOUSE, KAVUMBHAGAM P.O., THALASSERI, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 649.** **35. AKHIL K. NIRMALAYAM, EDAPPARAMBU VAYAL KOTTALI P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 016.** **36. ANURAG V.K., VALAYANGATTU KUNNUMMAL, KUMBHAM, KOODALI P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 016.** **37. ASWANDH O.K,** - **N.S.NIVAS, MUTHIYANGA P.O., PATHAYAKUNNU (VIA), KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 691.** **38. SHAHIL SHIHAJ, DHARUL FALAH, PALAYAD VELLOUK P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 661.** **39. SRAVAN T.K., EDAVANPULIKANATH HOUSE, CHENGALAVI P.O., PARIPAYIL, SREEKANDAPURAM, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 631.** **40. MRUDUL RAMESH, SREEJALAYAM, PINARAYI P.O., C.H.MUK, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 741.** **41. NAVAS A.D., NABEELA MANZIL, POKKOND, KURUMATHUR P.O., KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 142.** **42. SHAREEF K.M., ZINABA MANZIL, NARATH P.O, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 603.** **..5/-** **..5..** ## **WA.No. 1269 of 2017** ## **---------------------------------** **43. ABHISHEK.O, NIVEDHYAM, PERALASSERY, MUNALLOR PO, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 662.** **44. EBIN CHACKO, KULATHINAPADIKKAL HOUSE,VELLAR VALLY (PO), TERAVOOR, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 673.** **45. SAJEED V.K., SAREENA MANZIL, ADOOR PO, KADACHIRA, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 621.** **46. NAVEEN A.K, KOUSTHUBAM, IRINAV (PO), IRINAV, CHERUKUNNU, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 301.** **47. NITHIN K.K, KURUVAL KUNNATH HOUSE, MUZHAPPILANGAD PO, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 662.** **48. ADARSH PRAKASH M., KEERTHANAM, EDAVACHEERY VAYAL, PODIKUNDU, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 004.** **49. BISWAS C.BAIJU, CHIRANGARETH HOUSE, PARIKKALAM (PO), TALIPARAMBA, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 705.** **50. JISHNU BABU, YESHODHA NIVAS, CHOVVA PO, NEAR SOUTH RAILWAY STATION, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 006.** **51. SWETHA SADANANDAN T., SREESADANAM, MOCHERY (PO), MAVILAYI, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 662.** **52. NEENU CHANDRAN, CHEMPEN HOUSE, PANAKKAD, KARIMBAN (PO), KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 142.** **53. ANJU RAJAN, NADAKKAL HOUSE, PADINJARECHAL, PATTUVAM (PO) KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 143.** **54. BABY SUHANA.K, KOORUMAL HOUSE, NARATH PO, PALLERI, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 603.** **..6/-** **..6..** ## **WA.No. 1269 of 2017** ## **---------------------------------** **55. PRIYANGA.S., PRIYAM NILAYAM, NEAR WATER TANK, PERIYA ROAD, PALLIKARA, KASARAGOD DISTRICT- 671 318.** ## **56. KEERTHI M.V., MOOVARKUNDU HOUSE, MOOTHAPPAN KAVU, KASARAGOD DISTRICT- 670 014.** **57. ANUSHA P., KORANCHIRATH HOUSE, TRICHMBARAM, TALIPARAMBA, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 141.** **58. BIBIN N.J., NANDHIKATH HOUSE, PAYYANOOR, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 307.** **59. SUMITH K.V.,** - **K.V. HOUSE, KURUMATHUR P.O, KURUMATHUR, KANNUR DISTRICT- 625 514.** **60. SINITH KUMAR K, LAKSHMI KRIPA, THOTTADA P.O, CHALA WEST, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 007.** **61. JINEESH V.K., VAYANIKANDI HOUSE, NALLANCHI PO, ELTHUR, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 591.** **62. SAHEEM SHANIS, DURAL EMAN, PO CHIRIKKAL, PUTHIYATHERU, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 011.** **63. MUHAMMED UBAIS C.M., BAITHUL NOOR, PACHILALAM, ULIYIL P.O, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 702.** **64. JISHNU T.V, THUNDNALAPIL HOUSE, PAYANGADY P.O, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 303.** **65. PRIJIN.O,** - **OLACHERY HOUSE, P.O KOTTALI, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 005.** **66. ARSHINA.B,** - **SAS VILLA, MUZHAPPILANGAD MADAM, KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 001.** **..7/-** **..7..** ## **WA.No. 1269 of 2017** ## **---------------------------------** **67. SMRITHI C.M.,** - **C.M.HOUSE, NEAR ASHOKAMANDIRAM, AZHIKKAL, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 009.** **68. RAHIN P.V. PUTHIYA VETTILE HOUSE, VARAM PO, CHATHUVAKKINAR, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 594.** **69. DHEERAJ.S. VINEETHAM, PALLIKUNNU P.O, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 004.** **70. AMABITH K.S., KATTAKAYAM HOUSE, ANGADIKADAVU PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670 706.** **71. AMALKUMAR K., KUNNOTH HOUSE, MADAPPALLY COLLEGE (PO), KOZHIKODE DISTRICT-673 102.** **72. TONY K.JOSEPH, KARYADIL HOUSE, KALLAPPLY.P.O, RAJAPURAM (VIA), PANATHADY, KASARAGOD DISTRICT-671 532.** **73. MUHAMMED ANSAR K., SAFAMANZIL PULATT PULLUMKUNNU, CHELEMBRA (PO), MALAPPURAM DISTRICT- 673 634.** **74. JITHESH K., KIZHAKKINAN HOUSE, TRICHAMBARAM, TALAPARAMBA (PO), KANNUR DISTRICT- 670 141.** **75. BIBIN P, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING, PUTHUVAKKARA HOUSE, IRITTY (PO),** **THANTHODE, ALAPRA, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **76. AJITH JAMES, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, THONAKKARA HOUSE, NADUVIL PO, VILAKKANNUR, KANNUR DISTRICT-670582.** **77. JEESMON JOY, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, UDAMBANATTU HOUSE, NEDUNGOME (PO), KANNUR DISTRICT-670631.** **78. SHAMAL VIJAYAN, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SHARANG HOUSE, PERUMPARAM, IRITTY PO, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **79. RICKSON THOMAS, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PARAMBI HOUSE, 'KOLAYAD PO, PUNNAPALAM, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **--9--** **--9--** ## **WP(C).No. 19539 of 2016 (N)** - **---------------------------** **80. SUDHEESH P.R., 3RD SEMESTER DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PARAVANKAVUMKAL HOUSE, VELLAD (PO), KARUVENCHAL, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **81. NIJITH K, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, EALATHVAYAL HOUSE, MUDIYANGA PO, PATHIYAKUNNU, KANNUR DISTRICT-670571.** **82. JOBIN JOSEPH, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, PARATHOTTATHIL HOUSE,'VATTIYAMTHODE PO, IRITTY, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **83. MUHAMMED AMEEN C., 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, RASEENA MANZIL, BARODE PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670622.** **84. ANIRUDH .N.P., 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, SUNNY DALE ERANHOLI, THALASSERI PO, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **85. ATHUL RAJ V., 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, CHALIL HOUSE, PACHAPOIKA (PO)** **KANNUR DISTRICT-670643.** **86. VIPIN V.K., 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, POOVATHIMKANDY HOUSE, NELLUNNI, PO. MATTANUR, KANNUR DISTRICT-670702.** **87. AFSAL M, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, THAHIRA MANZIL, KADANKODE, VARAM, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **88. MUHAMMED RIZWAN M, 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, BISMILLAH MANZIL, IRIVERI PO, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **89. RAHUL K, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, KOTTIYAL HOUSE, ANCHAMPEEDIKA, CHEKKIKUNDU, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **90. SREERAG P.V.,** **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, POYIL HOUSE, THIRUVANGAD PO, MALIYILNADA, TRLY, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **--10--** **--10--** ## **WP(C).No. 19539 of 2016 (N) ---------------------------** ## **91. SUBHASH E,** **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, ELAVANAPOYIL HOUSE, PARAL (PO), THALASSERI, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **92. SABIN K.B.,** **3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, KANATHIL HOUSE,IRITTY PO, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **93. NIDHIN A.,** **3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SRINDHI, PANUNDA, PACHAPOIKA PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670643.** ## **94. SHARAN K,** **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, VELLOLIPINCHAL HOUSE, KANACHERY, PO.EACHUR, KANNUR DISTRICT-670591.** **95. NEKHEL A., 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ARADHANA MAVELACHAL, EACHUR PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670591.** ## **96. ARSHAD K.,** - **3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, AFSEENA'S, KADALAYI PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670003.** **97. ADARSH V, 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, VAYAKKARA HOUSE, KIZHUNNA PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670007.** **98. RAZEEL P.M., S/O.ABDUL RAZAK, 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, RISHANA'S MANZIL, NEAR MAKKAM, KAKKAD PO, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **99. ADARSH A.T.,** - **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, ADUKALIL HOUSE, ULIKKAL PO, KATHUVAPARAMBU,** ## **IRITTY, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **100. MUBASHIR A.T, 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, SALMA'S HOUSE, ATHIRAKAM, MUNDAYAD (PO) KANNUR.** **101. MUHAMMED SHARI.T.P., 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, SHARFAZ, CHAKKARAPPARA, ADHIKODE PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670009.** **--11--** **--11--** **WP(C).No. 19539 of 2016 (N)** **---------------------------** **102. SUMITH SAJEEVAN, 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, KILIYATTIL HOUSE, KALLADY, MANATHANA (PO), KANNUR DISTRICT-670674.** ## **103. TONY.K.JOSEPH,** **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, KANYADIL HOUSE, KALLAPPALLY PO, PANATHADY, PANATHURM KASARAGOD-671532.** **104. AMARJITH N.E.,** - **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, ELLATH HOUSE, PUNNOL PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670102.** ## **105. ARJUN K.** **3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MATHRUKRIPA, CHERUPPERI PO, MAMBARAM, KANNUR DISTRICT-670741.** **106. SHERBIN JOY,** **3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PERIKILAMALAYIL HOUSE, NEDUMGONE PO, PALARI, KANNUR DISTRICT-670631.** **107. RAHIN P.V. 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING PUTHIYA VEETTIL, VARAM PO., CHATHURAKKINAR, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **108. ANOOP MOHAN,** - **3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, KALARIKKAL HOUSE, 'PAVAKKADAVU, ACHANPEEDIKA PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670331.** **109. SANGEETH T, 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING, SREE SOPANAM, PATHIRIYAD, SANAKARANELLUR PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-6706443.** **110. ARJUN C.K., 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING, ELAMTHOTTATHIL HOUSE, KOLACHERIPARAMBA, KOLACHERI PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670601.** **111. MUHAMMED THALAL, 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, KUDUKKI HOUSE, PATTYAM PO, KOLACHERI, KANNUR DISRICT-670601.** **--12--** **--12--** **WP(C).No. 19539 of 2016 (N)** **---------------------------** **112. JINOOP B., 3RD SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING KADAMKOTTUN PUTHIYA VEETTIL PATTUVAM PO, KANNUR DISTRICT-670143.** ## **113. RISAL,** **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, AJMAL VILLA, ATHAZHAKKUNNIN, KOTTALI PO, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **114. MUHAMMED FAISAL K.A.,** **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, KARATHODI HOUSE, PO KOOTTUPUZHA, KANNUR DISTRICT - 670706.** **115. LASVIN K., 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LASVIN NIVAS, KEEZHATHU, PO, PATHIRIYAD, KANNUR DISTRICT - 670741.** ## **116. SRAVAN M.,** **5TH SEMESTER DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, MOOLAKKOYYOTT HOUSE, PO KUTTIYATTOOR, KANNUR DISTRICT.-670602** **117. JOMON T.J., 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, THEKUMPURATHIL HOUSE, VATTIYUANTHODU PO, MATTARA, KANNUR DISTRICT.** **118. NOUFAL T.K.,** **5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, TAJSEE MAHAL, MUZHAKKUNNU PO, PERAVOOR (VIA), KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **119. VIPIN NARAYANAN, 5TH SEMESTER-DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING,** **KULAMULLATHIL HOUSE, KUNNUMPURAM, KANAYANNUR, IRIVERI PO, KANNUR DISTRICT.** ## **BY ADVS.SRI.K.MOHANAKANNAN SMT.A.R.PRAVITHA** **R BY SRI.S.KRISHNAMOORTHY, CGC R BY SRI.K.MOHANAKANNAN** **THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 20-11-2017, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** ## ANTONY DOMINIC, Ag.C.J. & A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, J. -----------------------------------------------------------------------W.A.Nos.1269, 1275, 1277, 1286, 1298, 1350, 1351, 1356 and 1395 of 2017 ------------------------------------------------------------------------Dated this the 20[th] day of November, 2017 ## J U D G M E N T . Antony Dominic, Ag.C.J Among these appeals filed by the Karnataka State Open University, W.A.No.1275 of 2017 is against the judgment in W.P.(C) No.19081 of 2016 and the other appeals are against the common judgment in W.P.(C) Nos.19782, 21496 and 28564 of 2015, 11274, 14654, 19539, 19884 and 23856 of 2016. Substantially, the issue canvassed in W.P.(C) No.19081 of 2016 is also similar and the relief granted is also not different. The writ petitions were filed by study centres as well as some of the students who were enrolled in such study centres in Kerala, for various courses under the Distance Education Programme of the appellants, the Karnataka State Open University having its area of operation within the State of W.A.No.1269/2017 and conn.cases 2 Karnataka. The prayers sought in the writ petitions were essentially to declare that public notices issued by the University to de-recognise the Distance Education Centres outside the area of operation of the University would not take away the entitlement of the students admitted before 2.8.2014, for the benefit of the courses undergone by them and its completion. In the judgment under appeal, the learned single Judge found that the University has defied the instructions of the University Grants Commission(UGC) and entered into agreements with several study centres/collaborators and it is on that basis the courses were conducted. The learned single Judge finally directed the University to either conduct examination for those students who were enrolled prior to 30.8.2014 or to pay compensation at the rate of Rs.3 lakhs each. It is this judgment which is under challenge. 2. We heard the learned counsel for the appellant, the learned counsel for the writ petitioners W.A.No.1269/2017 and conn.cases 3 and also the standing counsel appearing for the UGC. 3. Admittedly, the area of operation of the appellant-University is in the State of Karnataka and the study centres/collaborators, are all situating within the State of Kerala. In so far as such extra territorial study centres are concerned, following the repeated judgments of the Apex Court, including in Prof. Yashpal and Another v. State of Chhattisgarh and Others [(2005) 5 SCC 420], several communications were issued by the University Grants Commission, last of which directed that there shall not be any such study centres outside the area of operation and that such study centres shall discontinue such activities forthwith. It was ignoring these directions of the UGC, into which the Distance Education Council under the Indira Gandhi National Open University, was merged with effect from 16.5.2013, that the appellant-University had entered into agreements with the study centres/collaborators on the basis of which the courses in question were carried on. Under W.A.No.1269/2017 and conn.cases 4 such circumstances, left with no other option, the University finally issued communications in 2005, withdrawing recognition to the programmes. 4. The UGC having directed discontinuance of the courses, the University could not have continued the programme. Therefore, the learned single Judge has rightly declined the relief sought in these writ petitions entitling the centres and students who approached this Court for a declaration that irrespective of the orders issued by the UGC, they were entitled to the benefit of the courses undergone by them. According to us, the only option available to the learned single Judge in the facts of the cases, was to direct the University either to conduct the examination for those who were enrolled prior to 30.8.2014, it being the month in which the University had called for the details of the students who were enrolled for the courses, or to pay compensation. 5. However, the learned counsel for the appellant contended that the University was willing to conduct the W.A.No.1269/2017 and conn.cases 5 examination as directed by the learned single Judge, provided, the UGC grants approval for the same. The learned counsel for the appellant also contended that the learned Single Judge has awarded compensation to be paid to the students in lumpsum. We do not find force in the contentions raised by the learned counsel for the appellant. In the light of the orders of the UGC, this Court cannot ask UGC to approve the courses conducted in study centres in Kerala. We are also of the view that in the facts of the case, the students lost years in the prime of youth only on account of misconduct of the University and therefore, the learned single Judge was fully justified in ordering such lumpsum compensation in exercise of his equitable jurisdiction. We do not propose to modify that direction either. 6. One another point raised by the learned counsel for the University is that the Distance Education Council of the IGNOU had recognised these courses W.A.No.1269/2017 and conn.cases 6 even in 2013. According to us, even if it be so, such recognition could not enure to the benefit to the University in the absence of approval by the UGC. Admittedly, in this case, the UGC had not granted any such approval and therefore, the alleged recognition by the Distance Education Council which also stood merged in UGC with effect from 16.5.2013, is of no consequence. We do not find any merit in these appeals. Therefore, the writ appeals fail and are accordingly, dismissed. Sd/- ## ANTONY DOMINIC, ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE Sd/- A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE ln