High Court of KeralaDivision Bench2023-01-17Dismissed as infructuous; issue relating to fur...

W. A. No. 791 of 2012

Case / Petition Number:W. A. No. 791 of 2012

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: S. Manikumar
Shaji P. Chaly
Judgment Date: 2023-01-17
Court Decision / Holding: The writ appeal is dismissed as infructuous. The court held that, following the Supreme Court’s Aditya Bandopadyay decision, the respondents cannot maintain that copies cannot be issued in the absence of a specific provision in the prospectus. It concluded that the information could be provided under RTI if sought, and directed earlier that such copies be supplied within one week if RTI requests were made. The court left the issue of furnishing OMR sheets under RTI Act open for future consideration.
Final Disposition: Dismissed as infructuous; issue relating to furnishing of OMR sheets under RTI Act left open.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

STATE OF KERALA HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL EDUCATION THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001
COMMISSIONER FOR ENTRANCE EXAMINATION THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001
THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001 BY ADV SRI. V. TEKCHAND, SR. GP

Respondents

DR. NAVEEN DIVAKAR ROLL NO. 55895, ANJALI, EAST KALLAD.P.O., KOLLAM.
DR. SREEKANTH.R. ROLL.NO. 55694, KARTHIKA NIVAS, THIRUMULLAVARAM.P.O., KOLLAM-12.
DR. NIKHIL GOPI ROLL NO. 57481, RAMANEEYAM, KUTTIKATTUKARA.P.O., ELOOR, ERNAKULAM.
DR. JEBIN IBRAHIM ROLL NO. 57732, AFFIF MANZIL, KALOOR.P.O., KOCHI17.
DR. LIKHIN.S.P. ROLL NO. 56181, SOPANAM, T.K.M. COLLEGE.P.O., PEROOR KOLLAM-5.
DR.ARIF LATHEEF ROLL NO. 58895, KANDAMANGALATH, AIMS P.O.
DR. SREEKANTH.P. ROLL NO.57371, SRAVANAM HOUSE, AYIROOR NORTH.P.O., THIRUVALLA.
DR. ROHINI.C. ROLL NO.58638, CHANDRA VILAS, MANJERI.P.O., MALAPPURAM.
DR. ABDUL SALEEM.T. ROLL NO.57593, THATTARATH HOUSE, KALLIKANDY.P.O., KANNUR.
DR. ABITH.RAJ.K. ROLL NO.59041, KALLIKADAVIL HOSUE, MUTHRATHIKKARA, PARAPOOKKARA.P.O., TRICHUR.
DR. ABOOBACKER MUHAMMED RAFI ROLL NO.59178, THANIKAL HOUSE, KIZHAKOTH.P.O., KODUVALLY, CALICUT.
DR. ADERSH.S. ROLL NO. 57666 SWATHI, PONNUVEETTIL LANE, PATHURAIKAL, TRICHUR.
DR. AJAYAN.K.V. ROLL NO. 55072, KUNNATH HOUSE, CHOKKAD.P.O., MALAPPURAM.
DR. AJOY SAMUEL MAMMEN ROLL NO.55557, UPPUKKERIL, THAZHAKKARA.P.O., MAVELIKKARA.
DR. ALTHAF AHAMED PILLAI ROLL NO. 56076, KALOOR HOUSE, M.K. NAGAR, THONNAKKAL.P.O., TRIVANDRUM.
DR. AMINA ABDU RAHMAN ROLL NO. 59842, AL FAUZ, V.K.K. MENON ROAD, KALLAI P.O., CALICUT.
DR. ANJALI.C. ROLL NO.56077, FLAT. NO. 3D, EMARLD APARTMENTS, NANDAVANANM, PALAYAM.P.O., TRIVANDRUM.
DR. ANJALI.S. ROLL NO. 57574, POURNAMI, KAROTHUMADATHIL HOSUE, THODUPUZHA.P.O., IDUKKI.
DR. ANU BHASURAN ROLL NO.57734, ANU BHAVAN, MUNDA KAVU.P.O., CHENGANNUR.
DR. APARNA MURALEEDHARAN ROLL NO. 59202, ASHTAPADI, NIT CAMPUS.P.O CALICUT-673601.
DR. APARNA VINOD ROLL NO.59593, NADUVIL HOUSE, THOTTAKKARA, TENARI.P.O., PALAKKAD-678622.
DR. ARUN CHERIYAN MAMMEN ROLL NO. 53913, UPPUKKERIL, THAZHAKKARA.P.O., MAVELIKKARA.
DR. ELIZABETH JACOB ROLL NO. 59470, THADATHIVILAYIL, NEAR SACRED HEART CHURCH, MUKKAM.P.O., KOZHIKODE-673602.
DR. GEETHANJALI.S. MOHAN ROLL NO. 56588, KIRISHNAKRIPA, AZHAYA ROAD, MEDICAL COLLEGE.P.O., TRIVANDRUM-11.
DR. GIJO.A.J. ROLL NO.57365, ARACKA THOTTATHIL HOUSE, MELUKAVUMATTOM.P.O., KOTTAYAM-686652.
DR. GIRISH.S. ROLL NO.56177, CHATHRAM, AYRAVON.P.O., KONNY, PATHANAMTHITTA KERALA.
DR. JAISON SAM JOHN ROLL NO. 58189, PUTHEN BANGALOW, CMS COLLEGE, CHUNGAM ROAD.P.O., KOTTAYAM-686001.
DR. JAYAKRISHNAN.V.Y. ROLL NO. 55914, VADAKKKEKKARA VEEDU, KIP ROAD, PUNNIVIZHA, ADOOR.P.O.
DR. JAYAKRISHNAN.J. ROLL NO.55183, SREEKRISHNA, B.N-19A, TRIVANDRUM695001.
DR. JESIN ELSA JOSE ROLL NO. 56091, CHERIYIL, KUZHAVALLOOR.P.O., CHENGANNUR.
DR. JITHIN JITH ROLL NO. 55539, SWATHI, T.C. 16/409, NANDANAM LANE, THYCAUD.P.O. TRIVANDRUM.
DR. JUSTIN THOMAS ROLL NO.58068, PUTHENPURACKAL, MUTHOLY.P.O., PALA.
DR. KARTHIKA.M.C. ROLL NO.60500,KARTHIK, RAMANATTUKARA.P.O., KOZHIKODE-673633.
DR. KRISHNA MAHDEVAN ROLL NO.56009, A-2 QTRS, MEDICAL COLLEGE, GANDHINAGAR.P.O., KOTTAYAM.
DR.LAKSHMI MOHAN ROLL NO. 57068, ATHIRA, CMC-13, GOVT. HOSPITAL ROAD, CHERTHALA, ALAPPUZHA.
DR. LINU.S.M. ROLL NO.55345, PULARI, V.P.9/1082, VELLAIKADAVU, KADUNGANOOR.P.O., TRIVANDRUM.
DR. MILU SUSAN VARGHESE ROLL NO. 58777, PAPPALAPARAMBIL, PARIYARAM.P.O., KOTTAYAM.
DR. MINI SUSAN ABRAHAM ROLL NO.57693, PLAVUNKAL HOUSE, CHENGAROOR.P.O., MALLAPALLI.
DR. NAVEEN.K. ROLL NO. 59891, SREEHARI, NEAR KUSHALNAGAR, P.O. KANHANGAD.
DR. NEEMA VENUGOPAL ROLL NO. 60144, VYSAKH, PATERI CROSS ROAD, CALICUT-673016.
DR. POORNIMA.R. PAI ROLL NO. 56827, K.V. MADAM, KANDIYOOR, MAVELIKKARA-3.
DR. PRAVEENA.K.K. ROLL NO. 59157. ANU NIVAS, NILAMBUR, RSPO, MALAPURAM DISTRICT.
DR.RAJEENA AZEEZ ROLL NO.59127,INSHIRAAH, MONANCHERRY P.O., KANNUR-670613
DR.A REETA JAMES ROLL NO.60443,A-107, JAWAHAR NAGAR COLONY, ERNAHIPALAM P.O., CALICUT-6.
DR. RIZVIMOHAMMED ROLL NO.56947,RIZVI VILLA, NEAR ST.LUKE HOSPITAL, PATHANAMTHITTA.
DR. RONY CHERIYAN ROLL NO.57361,PALAMATTOM HOUSE, KATTAPPANA P.O., IDUKKI DISTRICT.
DR. SAHANA RAIHAN ROLL NO.57839,FLAT NO.68, MARIGOLD APARTMENT, PIPELINE ROAD, THRIKKAKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM.
DR. SHIJITHA N. ROLL NO.55230,SRISAILAM, T.C.7/128, KOCHULLOOR JUNCTION, MEDICAL COLLEGE P.O., TRIVANDRUM.
DR. SHABEEB RAHMAN THURKY ROLL NO.59690,SHANAS, NEAR APPAKKOTIL, KUTHUPARAMBA, KANNUR.
DR. S. MOHAMMED SHAJAS ROLL NO.55994,SHAN VILLA, MURUKKUMON, NILAMEL P.O., KOLLAM.
DR. SHALINI NAIR.M. ROLL NO.57373,THARAYATHU HOUSE, MURANI, MALLAPPALLY EAST P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA-689584.
DR. SHALU SUSAN MATHEW ROLL NO.55535,GEOVILLA, KUTTIYIL KIZHAKKETHIL HOUSE, MAVELIKKARA P.O., ALAPPUZHA
DR. SHINE.J. ROLL NO.56954,PAKALOMATTOM HOUSE, VENGALLOOR P.O., THODUPUZHA
DR. SMITHA MURALI ROLL NO.57835,SOUPARNIKA, M.G.KAVU, THRISSUR.
DR. SOUMYA.V.K. ROLL NO.59971,PRAYAGA, LAXMI NAGAR, KANJANGAD P.O.
DR. SREENATH.N. ROLL NO.57283,VAIDYASHALAYIL, EDAYIRIKKAPPUZHA, KANGAZHA, KOTTAYAM.
DR. SYLVIA SYRIAC ROLL NO.57347,VALIAVEETTIL KULATHUNKAL, PUMMATTOM, PUTHUPPALLY P.O., KOTTAYAM.
DR. UMESH.G. ROLL NO.58404, GOWTHAMI, SOUTH NADA,HARIPAD P.O., ALLEPPUZHA.
DR. VIMAL VIJAY ROLL NO.57845,MOOZHIKAL HOUSE, PERUMBAIKADU P.O., KOTTAYAM.
DR. VINETH.V.K. ROLL NO.58176,VAZHAPPILLY HOUSE, KOTTAPPADI P.O., TRICHUR.
DR. VINITHA GOPALAKRISHNAN ROLL NO.58413,3/86, PUTHUKULANGARA, THALIKKULAM P.O., TRICHUR.
DR. LAKSHMI VIJAYAKUMAR ROLL NO.56905, ATHIRA, KUDAMALOOR P.O., KOTTAYAM.
DR. NUJUBA BEEGUM.M. ROLL NO.56254, T.C.43/137, JT HOME, KAMALESWARAM, MANACAUD P.O.
DR. ANILA GEORGE ROLL NO.58015, KALAPURACKAL, RUBY NAGAR P.O., CHANAGANASSERY.
DR. ANNE MARY JOHN ROLL NO.56897, THECKANAL, CHOOTTUVELI, SH MOUNT P.O., KOTTAYAM.
DR. BAJITHA GOPALAN ROLL NO.57409, VELIATH HOUSE, FIRENDSHIP NAGAR, PIPELINE, PALARIVATTOM P.O.,KOCHI-25.
DR. BOBBY PAULOSE ROLL NO.58978, CHIRAMADATHIKUDIYIL, KARKET P.O., KADATHY EAST, MUVATTUPUZHA.
DR. DON MATHEW ROLL NO.57826, VATTAPPILLIL HOUE, KOKKAPPILLY P.O., THIRUVANKULAM, ERNAKULAM.
DR. GEETHU BABU ROLL NO.57260, THURUTHIYIL HOUSE, THIRUVANKULAM P.O., ERNAKULAM.
DR. KANNAN D. RAJ ROLL NO.55654, VANAJOLSNA, MAMPALLIKUNNAM, CHATHANNOOR P.O., KOLLAM.
DR. LEKSHMI SREE.S.J. ROLL NO.56576, ANJANEYAM, KULAKKODU, VELLANAD P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.
DR. MUHAMMED MINSHAD ROLL NO.55783,KOTTAPURATHU HOUSE, MELILA P.O., KUNNICODE, KOLLAM.
DR. PRAVEEN.G.L. ROLL NO.56488,ANJANEYAM, KULAKKODU, VELLANAD P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.
DR. SHIBILI.E. ROLL NO.60611,CHERUKUTH (H), HAJIYAR PALLY P.O., KOLMANNA.
DR. FOUSIYA.P. ROLL NO.60610,FAIZAL MANZIL, MATHILTHODI, FAROOQ COLLEGE P.O.
DR. ARIFA.A.K. ROLL NO.59650,ALATHUMKUNDY HOUSE, KARUVANPOIL P.O., VIA.KODUVALLY.
DR. PARVATHY.R. ROLL NO.57612,SATHGAMAYA, JUBILEE ROAD, MOUNAMPADI, UP HILL P.O., MALAPPURAM.
DR. SHOIB NAWAZ ROLL NO.60267,AYESHA BAUGH, KALLIL THAZHE, PARAL P.O., THALASSERY.
DR. REJITHA RAMACHANDRAN ROLL NO.59257,SREERAGAM, CHITTILAPPILLY P.O., THRISSUR.
DR. MEERA JAYAKUMAR ROLL NO.56162,SREEKRISHNA, SREEKRISHNA NAGAR, PONGUMMOODU, ULLUR, THIRUVANANTHURAM.
DR. ASWIN MOHANDAS PALLATH ROLL NO.59416,ASHIRWAD, ANNIE HALL ROAD, CALICUT2.
DR. FATHIMA FEBINA.K.K. ROLL NO.60512,PLESANT DALE, RAILWAY STATION ROAD, THANUR, MALAPPURAM.
DR. DHANEJ.M.K. ROLL NO.59182,MANAKKATTU KUNNEMMEL, PAROPPADI, MALAPARAMBU P.O., KOZHIKODE.
DR. RINDU RAVEENDRAN ROLL NO.59263,KRISHNAKRIPA, G-43, HARITHA NAGAR, CHEVARAMBALAM P.O., CALICUT-17.
DR.MUHAMMED SHAREEF THENATH ROLL NO.60476,BEEMBINGAL HOUSE, ELANGUR P.O., MANJERI VIA., MALAPPURAM.
DR. RAKESH.K.R. ROLL NO.60026,KODANGAT HOUSE, THALAKKASSERRY P.O., VIA.THRITHALA, PALAKKAD.
DR. NIKHIL ABEL ABRAHAM ROLL NO.59294,THOTTAPPALLI HOUSE, ULLAS HOUSING COLONY, THAMARASSERY, CALICUT
DR. DHAWANI GOPINATH ROLL NO.59976,RAM NIVAS, SANGEETHA ROAD, PERINTHALMANNA P.O., MALAPPURAM.
DR. MIDHUN MANOHAR ROLL NO.56910,ANJANAM, CANAL LANE, BEHIND POOJA CRICKET GROUND, THRIPPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM.
DR. ANUJA RAJU ROLL NO.57026,MULANGOOTTIL ANU BHAVAN, CHENNITHALA, MAVELIKKARA-5.
DR. VIDHU VIJAYAKUMAR ROLL NO.58342,RESIDING AT 38/2438, SHREYAS, VENNALA P.O., KOCHI.
DR. REKHA SALINI ROLL NO.58904,NALLAVEEDU, NEAR TB, ML ROAD, KOTTAYAM.
DR. DEVARAJ NAIK.K. ROLL NO.57458,GANGA HOUSE, MANNI PADDY, RAMDAS NAGAR P.O., KASARAGOD.
DR. SHYNA.S.THERUVATH ROLL NO.57841,1/1906, KUNNUMPURAM, NEAR CANARA BANK, FORT KOCHI-682001.
DR. GOWRI RAJ ROLL NO.68757,GREESHMA, 6/710A NEAR TEMPLE, THRIKKAKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM.
DR. GAYATHRI RAJ ROLL NO.58428,6/710 A NEAR TEMPLE, THRIKKAKARA, P.O.ERNAKULAM.
DR. ANJU SHAJU AREEKAL ROLL NO.57303,AREEKAL HOUSE, SOUTH OF THRIVENI, VENGOOR P.O., ERNAKULAM-46.
DR. NITHIN.G. ROLL NO.59726,KRISHNA PRABHA HOUSE, KSHB COLONY, PLOT NO.26, MEDICAL COLLEGE P.O., CALICUT.
DR. JIPIN GOPI ROLL NO.59489,SAYOOJYA, CHEMPAKA HOUSING COLONY, CHEVAYOOR, CALICUT-673017.
DR. ARUN KUMAR.P. ROLL NO.59954,KRISHNA KRIPA, PETTA, FEROOQUE, CALICUT-673631.
DR. ARABHI JAYAN ROLL NO.59797,SAYOOJYA, CHEMPAKA HOUSING COLONY, CHEVAYOOR, CALICUT-673017
DR. RAIZA PAUL ROLL NO.57575,PANIKULANGARA HOUSE, EAST OF TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, ALAPPUZHA-1.
DR. RIJESH.R. ROLL NO.60104,ATHIRA, PUNNASSERRY, P.O., NARIKUNI, KOZHIKODE.
DR. SABARINATH.P.S. ROLL NO.55272,SABARI, PERUNNA P.O., CHANGANACHERRY, KOTTAYAM-686102.
DR. SUBIN R. MULLAMALA ROLL NO.58754,GOKULAM, ETTUMANOOR P.O., KOTTAYAM.
DR. VIPIN DAS ROLL NO.58649,PALAKKATTU HOUSE, THOTTABHAGAM, PIRAVOM P.O., ERNAKULAM-686664.
DR. VIPIN.P. VIJAYAN ROLL NO.58427,LAKSHMI NIVAS, PAYYANADAM, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD.
DR. VIVEK.R. ROLL NO.58095,MEERA BHAVAN, KOLLAM P.O., KOYILANDI VIA., KOZHIKODE.
DR. ASHISH GEORGE ROLL NO.60246,KUNNATH HOUSE, CHITTARIKKAL P.O., KASARAGOD-671326.
DR. DEEPTHIDAMODARAN ROLL NO.55860,DEEPAM, E.V.NAGAR, KARUVATTA, ADOOR P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA
DR.NAVEEN RAJU ROLL NO.58096,RAJASHEEL, OOYOOR, P.O., KOLLAM.
DR. DEVI.M. ROLL NO.56997,DEVI NILAYAM, KADAVIL ROAD, THYKOODAM, COCHIN-682019.
DR. REEM AZIZ ROLL NO.56260,FLAT NO.7A, SPS SYMPHONY, VAZHUTHACAUD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.
DR. DIVYA THOMAS ROLL NO.55364,POOVANNALIL ASHIANA, KULANGARA P.O., HARIPPAD.
DR.RACHANA.K. ROLL NO.58438,RACHANA, MANITHARA, AVANOOR P.O., THRISSUR-680547.

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

• Sri. V. Tekchand, Senior Government Pleader

Counsels for Respondents

• N. J. Mathews
• Athira T. S.

Case Synopsis & Summary

This writ appeal arises from an order in RP 363/2012 and the judgment in WPC 7258/2012 of the Kerala High Court, Ernakulam. The petitioners, the State of Kerala represented by the Health and Family Welfare Department, the Director of Medical Education, the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations and the Public Information Officer, challenged a decision that allowed access to copies of the entrance examination materials under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The petitioners argued that they were entitled to access to the question booklet, the answer scripts and the answer key of the entrance examination held on 19 February 2012, and that denial of access would violate the fundamental right to information guaranteed by the Constitution. They sought a mandamus to supply the materials and to direct an enquiry into alleged disparities in the examination results and remedial action. The writ court relied on the Supreme Court decision in Central Board of Secondary Education v. Aditya Bandopadyay and held that, under RTI, the documents could be supplied if requested, notwithstanding the absence of explicit provisions in the prospectus. It directed the respondents to supply within a week if RTI applications were made. The State challenged this order. The court later observed that as of now nothing remains for adjudication in the appeal, since copies have been published post-2012. It left open the issue of furnishing OMR sheets under RTI Act.

Provisions of Law Cited

Right to Information Act, 2005Constitution of India

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

Settled law: difficulties in collecting information is no ground to deny RTI rights.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The applicants argued that the Right to Information Act, 2005 entitles them to access copies of the entrance examination materials — the question booklet, the answer scripts, and the answer key — used in the 19 February 2012 exam, and that withholding these documents violates the constitutional guarantee of information. They sought a mandamus directing the respondents to furnish the materials for each petitioner and to ensure timely accessibility under RTI. They also sought an inquiry into alleged disparities in the examination results (as evidenced by Exts. P5–P9) with remedial action prior to admissions. They relied on the Central Board of Secondary Education v. Aditya Bandopadyay (2011) to assert that RTI obligations override omissions in prospectus provisions and that copies may be disclosed when requested.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents argued that, in the absence of express provisions in the prospectus, copies of the question booklet, answer scripts, and answer key could not be issued; thus denial was arguably justified. They relied on the position in RP 363/2012 and contended that the ongoing publication of copies after 2012 reduced the need for a writ petition. After consideration, they acknowledged that post-2012 copies were published and that the writ petition and review petition had become infructuous; however, they contended that the RTI issue should be left open only to the extent of OMR sheets and other related materials. Counsel for respondents stressed the binding nature of settled law that information should be accessible under RTI, subject to applicable exceptions, and highlighted the need for procedural compliance.

Cited Precedents (1)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
Central Board of Secondary Education v. Aditya Bandopadyay	(2011) 3 KLT SN 17	Positive	Cited to support RTI disclosure of copies (question booklet/answer scripts/answer keys) irrespective of prospectus provisions; used to justify supply under RTI.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -1- # **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR.S.MANIKUMAR ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SHAJI P.CHALY ``` ``` TUESDAY, THE 17[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 27TH POUSHA, 1944 ``` ``` WA NO. 791 OF 2012 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER IN RP 363/2012 AND JUDGMENT IN WPC ``` ``` 7258/2012 OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA ``` ``` APPELLANT/S: ``` - **`1 STATE OF KERALA HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.`** - **`2 THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL EDUCATION THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.`** - **`3 COMMISSIONER FOR ENTRANCE EXAMINATION THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001.`** - **`4 THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001. BY ADV SRI. V. TEKCHAND, SR. GP.`** ## **`RESPONDENT/S:`** - **`1 DR. NAVEEN DIVAKAR ROLL NO. 55895, ANJALI, EAST KALLAD.P.O., KOLLAM.`** - **`2 DR. SREEKANTH.R. ROLL.NO. 55694, KARTHIKA NIVAS, THIRUMULLAVARAM.P.O., KOLLAM-12.`** - **`3 DR. NIKHIL GOPI ROLL NO. 57481, RAMANEEYAM, KUTTIKATTUKARA.P.O., ELOOR, ERNAKULAM.`** - **`4 DR. JEBIN IBRAHIM ROLL NO. 57732, AFFIF MANZIL, KALOOR.P.O., KOCHI17.`** - **`5 DR. LIKHIN.S.P. ROLL NO. 56181, SOPANAM, T.K.M. COLLEGE.P.O., PEROOR KOLLAM-5.`** - **`6 DR.ARIF LATHEEF ROLL NO. 58895, KANDAMANGALATH, AIMS P.O.,`** W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -2- ## **`PONEKKARA, ERNAKULAM.`** - **`7 DR. SREEKANTH.P.`** - **`ROLL NO.57371, SRAVANAM HOUSE, AYIROOR NORTH.P.O., THIRUVALLA.`** - **`8 DR. ROHINI.C. ROLL NO.58638, CHANDRA VILAS, MANJERI.P.O., MALAPPURAM.`** - **`9 DR. ABDUL SALEEM.T.`** - **`ROLL NO.57593, THATTARATH HOUSE, KALLIKANDY.P.O., KANNUR.`** - **`10 DR. ABITH.RAJ.K.`** - **`ROLL NO.59041, KALLIKADAVIL HOSUE, MUTHRATHIKKARA, PARAPOOKKARA.P.O., TRICHUR.`** - **`11 DR. ABOOBACKER MUHAMMED RAFI ROLL NO.59178, THANIKAL HOUSE, KIZHAKOTH.P.O., KODUVALLY, CALICUT.`** - **`12 DR. ADERSH.S.`** - **`ROLL NO. 57666 SWATHI, PONNUVEETTIL LANE, PATHURAIKAL, TRICHUR.`** - **`13 DR. AJAYAN.K.V. ROLL NO. 55072, KUNNATH HOUSE, CHOKKAD.P.O., MALAPPURAM.`** - **`14 DR. AJOY SAMUEL MAMMEN ROLL NO.55557, UPPUKKERIL, THAZHAKKARA.P.O., MAVELIKKARA.`** - **`15 DR. ALTHAF AHAMED PILLAI`** - **`ROLL NO. 56076, KALOOR HOUSE, M.K. NAGAR, THONNAKKAL.P.O., TRIVANDRUM.`** - **`16 DR. AMINA ABDU RAHMAN ROLL NO. 59842, AL FAUZ, V.K.K. MENON ROAD, KALLAI P.O., CALICUT.`** - **`17 DR. ANJALI.C.`** - **`ROLL NO.56077, FLAT. NO. 3D, EMARLD APARTMENTS, NANDAVANANM, PALAYAM.P.O., TRIVANDRUM.`** - **`18 DR. ANJALI.S.`** - **`ROLL NO. 57574, POURNAMI, KAROTHUMADATHIL HOSUE, THODUPUZHA.P.O., IDUKKI.`** - **`19 DR. ANU BHASURAN ROLL NO.57734, ANU BHAVAN, MUNDA KAVU.P.O., CHENGANNUR.`** - **`20 DR. APARNA MURALEEDHARAN ROLL NO. 59202, ASHTAPADI, NIT CAMPUS.P.O. CALICUT-673601.`** - **`21 DR. APARNA VINOD ROLL NO.59593, NADUVIL HOUSE, THOTTAKKARA,`** W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -3- ## **`TENARI.P.O., PALAKKAD-678622.`** - **`22 DR. ARUN CHERIYAN MAMMEN ROLL NO. 53913, UPPUKKERIL, THAZHAKKARA.P.O., MAVELIKKARA.`** - **`23 DR. ELIZABETH JACOB ROLL NO. 59470, THADATHIVILAYIL, NEAR SACRED HEART CHURCH, MUKKAM.P.O., KOZHIKODE-673602.`** - **`24 DR. GEETHANJALI.S. MOHAN ROLL NO. 56588, KIRISHNAKRIPA, AZHAYA ROAD, MEDICAL COLLEGE.P.O., TRIVANDRUM-11.`** - **`25 DR. GIJO.A.J. ROLL NO.57365, ARACKA THOTTATHIL HOUSE, MELUKAVUMATTOM.P.O., KOTTAYAM-686652.`** - **`26 DR. GIRISH.S. ROLL NO.56177, CHATHRAM, AYRAVON.P.O., KONNY, PATHANAMTHITTA KERALA.`** - **`27 DR. JAISON SAM JOHN ROLL NO. 58189, PUTHEN BANGALOW, CMS COLLEGE, CHUNGAM ROAD.P.O., KOTTAYAM-686001.`** - **`28 DR. JAYAKRISHNAN.V.Y. ROLL NO. 55914, VADAKKKEKKARA VEEDU, KIP ROAD, PUNNIVIZHA, ADOOR.P.O.`** - **`29 DR. JAYAKRISHNAN.J. ROLL NO.55183, SREEKRISHNA, B.N-19A, TRIVANDRUM695001.`** - **`30 DR. JESIN ELSA JOSE ROLL NO. 56091, CHERIYIL, KUZHAVALLOOR.P.O., CHENGANNUR.`** - **`31 DR. JITHIN JITH ROLL NO. 55539, SWATHI, T.C. 16/409, NANDANAM LANE, THYCAUD.P.O. TRIVANDRUM.`** - **`32 DR. JUSTIN THOMAS ROLL NO.58068, PUTHENPURACKAL, MUTHOLY.P.O., PALA.`** - **`33 DR. KARTHIKA.M.C. ROLL NO.60500,KARTHIK, RAMANATTUKARA.P.O., KOZHIKODE-673633.`** - **`34 DR. KRISHNA MAHDEVAN ROLL NO.56009, A-2 QTRS, MEDICAL COLLEGE, GANDHINAGAR.P.O., KOTTAYAM.`** - **`35 DR.LAKSHMI MOHAN ROLL NO. 57068, ATHIRA, CMC-13, GOVT. HOSPITAL ROAD, CHERTHALA, ALAPPUZHA.`** - **`36 DR. LINU.S.M. ROLL NO.55345, PULARI, V.P.9/1082, VELLAIKADAVU,`** W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -4- ``` KADUNGANOOR.P.O., TRIVANDRUM. ``` - **`37 DR. MILU SUSAN VARGHESE`** - **`ROLL NO. 58777, PAPPALAPARAMBIL, PARIYARAM.P.O., KOTTAYAM.`** - **`38 DR. MINI SUSAN ABRAHAM ROLL NO.57693, PLAVUNKAL HOUSE, CHENGAROOR.P.O., MALLAPALLI.`** - **`39 DR. NAVEEN.K.`** - **`ROLL NO. 59891, SREEHARI, NEAR KUSHALNAGAR, P.O. KANHANGAD.`** - **`40 DR. NEEMA VENUGOPAL`** - **`ROLL NO. 60144, VYSAKH, PATERI CROSS ROAD, CALICUT-673016.`** - **`41 DR. POORNIMA.R. PAI ROLL NO. 56827, K.V. MADAM, KANDIYOOR, MAVELIKKARA-3.`** - **`42 DR. PRAVEENA.K.K.`** - **`ROLL NO. 59157. ANU NIVAS, NILAMBUR, RSPO, MALAPURAM DISTRICT.`** - **`43 DR.RAJEENA AZEEZ ROLL NO.59127,INSHIRAAH, MONANCHERRY P.O., KANNUR-670613`** - **`44 DR.A REETA JAMES ROLL NO.60443,A-107, JAWAHAR NAGAR COLONY, ERNAHIPALAM P.O., CALICUT-6.`** - **`45 DR. RIZVIMOHAMMED`** ``` ROLL NO.56947,RIZVI VILLA, NEAR ST.LUKE HOSPITAL, PATHANAMTHITTA. ``` - **`46 DR. RONY CHERIYAN ROLL NO.57361,PALAMATTOM HOUSE, KATTAPPANA P.O., IDUKKI DISTRICT.`** - **`47 DR. SAHANA RAIHAN`** - **`ROLL NO.57839,FLAT NO.68, MARIGOLD APARTMENT, PIPELINE ROAD, THRIKKAKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM.`** - **`48 DR. SHIJITHA N.`** ``` ROLL NO.55230,SRISAILAM, T.C.7/128, KOCHULLOOR JUNCTION, MEDICAL COLLEGE P.O., TRIVANDRUM. ``` - **`49 DR. SHABEEB RAHMAN THURKY ROLL NO.59690,SHANAS, NEAR APPAKKOTIL, KUTHUPARAMBA, KANNUR.`** - **`50 DR. S. MOHAMMED SHAJAS ROLL NO.55994,SHAN VILLA, MURUKKUMON, NILAMEL P.O., KOLLAM.`** - **`51 DR. SHALINI NAIR.M. ROLL NO.57373,THARAYATHU HOUSE, MURANI,`** W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -5- - **`MALLAPPALLY EAST P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA-689584.`** - **`52 DR. SHALU SUSAN MATHEW ROLL NO.55535,GEOVILLA, KUTTIYIL KIZHAKKETHIL HOUSE, MAVELIKKARA P.O., ALAPPUZHA`** - **`53 DR. SHINE.J. ROLL NO.56954,PAKALOMATTOM HOUSE, VENGALLOOR P.O., THODUPUZHA`** - **`54 DR. SMITHA MURALI`** - **`ROLL NO.57835,SOUPARNIKA, M.G.KAVU, THRISSUR.`** - **`55 DR. SOUMYA.V.K. ROLL NO.59971,PRAYAGA, LAXMI NAGAR, KANJANGAD P.O.`** - **`56 DR. SREENATH.N. ROLL NO.57283,VAIDYASHALAYIL, EDAYIRIKKAPPUZHA, KANGAZHA, KOTTAYAM.`** - **`57 DR. SYLVIA SYRIAC ROLL NO.57347,VALIAVEETTIL KULATHUNKAL, PUMMATTOM, PUTHUPPALLY P.O., KOTTAYAM.`** - **`58 DR. UMESH.G. ROLL NO.58404, GOWTHAMI, SOUTH NADA,HARIPAD P.O., ALLEPPUZHA.`** - **`59 DR. VIMAL VIJAY ROLL NO.57845,MOOZHIKAL HOUSE, PERUMBAIKADU P.O., KOTTAYAM.`** - **`60 DR. VINETH.V.K. ROLL NO.58176,VAZHAPPILLY HOUSE, KOTTAPPADI P.O., TRICHUR.`** - **`61 DR. VINITHA GOPALAKRISHNAN ROLL NO.58413,3/86, PUTHUKULANGARA, THALIKKULAM P.O., TRICHUR.`** - **`62 DR. LAKSHMI VIJAYAKUMAR ROLL NO.56905, ATHIRA, KUDAMALOOR P.O., KOTTAYAM.`** - **`63 DR. NUJUBA BEEGUM.M. ROLL NO.56254, T.C.43/137, JT HOME, KAMALESWARAM, MANACAUD P.O.`** - **`64 DR. ANILA GEORGE`** - **`ROLL NO.58015, KALAPURACKAL, RUBY NAGAR P.O., CHANAGANASSERY.`** - **`65 DR. ANNE MARY JOHN ROLL NO.56897,THECKANAL, CHOOTTUVELI, SH MOUNT P.O., KOTTAYAM.`** - **`66 DR. BAJITHA GOPALAN ROLL NO.57409,VELIATH HOUSE, FIRENDSHIP NAGAR, PIPELINE, PALARIVATTOM P.O.,KOCHI-25.`** - **`67 DR. BOBBY PAULOSE`** W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -6- ## **`ROLL NO.58978,CHIRAMADATHIKUDIYIL, KARKET P.O., KADATHY EAST, MUVATTUPUZHA.`** - **`68 DR. DON MATHEW ROLL NO.57826,VATTAPPILLIL HOUE, KOKKAPPILLY P.O., THIRUVANKULAM, ERNAKULAM.`** - **`69 DR. GEETHU BABU ROLL NO.5726O,THURUTHIYIL HOUSE, THIRUVANKULAM P.O., ERNAKULAM.`** - **`70 DR. KANNAN D. RAJ ROLL NO.55654,VANAJOLSNA, MAMPALLIKUNNAM, CHATHANNOOR P.O., KOLLAM.`** - **`71 DR. LEKSHMI SREE.S.J. ROLL NO.56576, ANJANEYAM, KULAKKODU, VELLANAD P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.`** - **`72 DR. MUHAMMED MINSHAD ROLL NO.55783,KOTTAPURATHU HOUSE, MELILA P.O., KUNNICODE, KOLLAM.`** - **`73 DR. PRAVEEN.G.L. ROLL NO.56488,ANJANEYAM, KULAKKODU, VELLANAD P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.`** - **`74 DR. SHIBILI.E. ROLL NO.60611,CHERUKUTH (H), HAJIYAR PALLY P.O., KOLMANNA.`** - **`75 DR. FOUSIYA.P. ROLL NO.60610,FAIZAL MANZIL, MATHILTHODI, FAROOQ COLLEGE P.O.`** - **`76 DR. ARIFA.A.K. ROLL NO.59650,ALATHUMKUNDY HOUSE, KARUVANPOIL P.O., VIA.KODUVALLY.`** - **`77 DR. PARVATHY.R. ROLL NO.57612,SATHGAMAYA, JUBILEE ROAD, MOUNAMPADI, UP HILL P.O., MALAPPURAM.`** - **`78 DR. SHOIB NAWAZ ROLL NO.60267,AYESHA BAUGH, KALLIL THAZHE, PARAL P.O., THALASSERY.`** - **`79 DR. REJITHA RAMACHANDRAN ROLL NO.59257,SREERAGAM, CHITTILAPPILLY P.O., THRISSUR.`** - **`80 DR. MEERA JAYAKUMAR ROLL NO.56162,SREEKRISHNA, SREEKRISHNA NAGAR, PONGUMMOODU, ULLUR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.`** - **`81 DR. ASWIN MOHANDAS PALLATH ROLL NO.59416,ASHIRWAD, ANNIE HALL ROAD, CALICUT2.`** - **`82 DR. FATHIMA FEBINA.K.K.`** W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -7- ``` ROLL NO.60512,PLESANT DALE, RAILWAY STATION ROAD, THANUR, MALAPPURAM. ``` - **`83 DR. DHANEJ.M.K. ROLL NO.59182,MANAKKATTU KUNNEMMEL, PAROPPADI, MALAPARAMBU P.O., KOZHIKODE.`** - **`84 DR. RINDU RAVEENDRAN ROLL NO.59263,KRISHNAKRIPA, G-43, HARITHA NAGAR, CHEVARAMBALAM P.O., CALICUT-17.`** - **`85 DR.MUHAMMED SHAREEF THENATH ROLL NO.60476,BEEMBINGAL HOUSE, ELANGUR P.O., MANJERI VIA., MALAPPURAM.`** - **`86 DR. RAKESH.K.R. ROLL NO.60026,KODANGAT HOUSE, THALAKKASSERRY P.O., VIA.THRITHALA, PALAKKAD.`** - **`87 DR. NIKHIL ABEL ABRAHAM ROLL NO.59294,THOTTAPPALLI HOUSE, ULLAS HOUSING COLONY, THAMARASSERY, CALICUT`** - **`88 DR. DHAWANI GOPINATH ROLL NO.59976,RAM NIVAS, SANGEETHA ROAD, PERINTHALMANNA P.O., MALAPPURAM.`** - **`89 DR. MIDHUN MANOHAR ROLL NO.56910,ANJANAM, CANAL LANE, BEHIND POOJA CRICKET GROUND, THRIPPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM.`** - **`90 DR. ANUJA RAJU ROLL NO.57026,MULANGOOTTIL ANU BHAVAN, CHENNITHALA, MAVELIKKARA-5.`** - **`91 DR. VIDHU VIJAYAKUMAR ROLL NO.58342,RESIDING AT 38/2438, SHREYAS, VENNALA P.O., KOCHI.`** - **`92 DR. REKHA SALINI ROLL NO.58904,NALLAVEEDU, NEAR TB, ML ROAD, KOTTAYAM.`** - **`93 DR. DEVARAJ NAIK.K. ROLL NO.57458,GANGA HOUSE, MANNI PADDY, RAMDAS NAGAR P.O., KASARAGOD.`** - **`94 DR. SHYNA.S.THERUVATH ROLL NO.57841, 1/1906, KUNNUMPURAM, NEAR CANARA BANK, FORT KOCHI-682001.`** - **`95 DR. GOWRI RAJ ROLL NO.68757,GREESHMA, 6/710A NEAR TEMPLE, THRIKKAKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM.`** - **`96 DR. GAYATHRI RAJ ROLL NO.58428,6/710 A NEAR TEMPLE, THRIKKAKARA, P.O.ERNAKULAM.`** - **`97 DR. ANJU SHAJU AREEKAL`** W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -8- - **`ROLL NO.57303,AREEKAL HOUSE, SOUTH OF THRIVENI, VENGOOR P.O., ERNAKULAM-46.`** - **`98 DR. NITHIN.G. ROLL NO.59726,KRISHNA PRABHA HOUSE, KSHB COLONY, PLOT NO.26, MEDICAL COLLEGE P.O., CALICUT.`** - **`99 DR. JIPIN GOPI ROLL NO.59489,SAYOOJYA, CHEMPAKA HOUSING COLONY, CHEVAYOOR, CALICUT-673017.`** - **`100 DR. ARUN KUMAR.P. ROLL NO.59954,KRISHNA KRIPA, PETTA, FEROOQUE, CALICUT-673631.`** - **`101 DR. ARABHI JAYAN ROLL NO.59797,SAYOOJYA, CHEMPAKA HOUSING COLONY, CHEVAYOOR, CALICUT-673017`** - **`102 DR. RAIZA PAUL ROLL NO.57575,PANIKULANGARA HOUSE, EAST OF TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, ALAPPUZHA-1.`** - **`103 DR. RIJESH.R. ROLL NO.60104,ATHIRA, PUNNASSERRY, P.O., NARIKUNI, KOZHIKODE.`** - **`104 DR. SABARINATH.P.S. ROLL NO.55272,SABARI, PERUNNA P.O., CHANGANACHERRY, KOTTAYAM-686102.`** - **`105 DR. SUBIN R. MULLAMALA ROLL NO.58754,GOKULAM, ETTUMANOOR P.O., KOTTAYAM.`** - **`106 DR. VIPIN DAS ROLL NO.58649,PALAKKATTU HOUSE, THOTTABHAGAM, PIRAVOM P.O., ERNAKULAM-686664.`** - **`107 DR. VIPIN.P. VIJAYAN ROLL NO.58427,LAKSHMI NIVAS, PAYYANADAM, MANNARKKAD P.O., PALAKKAD.`** - **`108 DR. VIVEK.R. ROLL NO.58095,MEERA BHAVAN, KOLLAM P.O., KOYILANDI VIA., KOZHIKODE.`** - **`109 DR. ASHISH GEORGE ROLL NO.60246,KUNNATH HOUSE, CHITTARIKKAL P.O., KASARAGOD-671326.`** - **`110 DR. DEEPTHIDAMODARAN ROLL NO.55860,DEEPAM, E.V.NAGAR, KARUVATTA, ADOOR P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA`** - **`111 DR.NAVEEN RAJU ROLL NO.58096,RAJASHEEL, OOYOOR, P.O., KOLLAM.`** - **`112 DR. DEVI.M. ROLL NO.56997,DEVI NILAYAM, KADAVIL ROAD, THYKOODAM, COCHIN-682019.`** W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -9- |**`113`**|**`DR. REEM AZIZ`**| |---|---| ||**`ROLL NO.56260,FLAT NO.7A, SPS SYMPHONY,`**| ||**`VAZHUTHACAUD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.`**| |**`114`**|**`DR. DIVYA THOMAS`**| ||**`ROLL NO.55364,POOVANNALIL ASHIANA, NANGIAR`**| ||**`KULANGARA P.O., HARIPPAD.`**| |**`115`**|**`DR.RACHANA.K.`**| ||**`ROLL NO.58438,RACHANA, MANITHARA, AVANOOR P.O.,`**| ||**`THRISSUR-680547.`**| ||**`BY ADV SRI.N.J.MATHEWS`**| ``` THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON ``` ``` 17.01.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -10- ## **J U D G M E N T** ## S. Manikumar, C. J. ## Before the writ court, petitioners have sought for the following reliefs:- “i) Declare that the petitioners are entitled for access to information in relation to their question booklet, answer scripts as well as answer key and deprivation of the same will amount to violation of fundamental right to information regarding conduct of entrance examination which is a right guaranteed under the Constitution; ii) Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing the respondents to supply question booklet, answer scripts as well as answer key relating to each of the petitioners with regard to the entrance examination held on 19.2.2012 pursuant to Ext. P1 leading to Ext. P2 result within such time as this Hon'ble Court deems just and proper; iii) Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing the 1[st] respondent to conduct an enquiry into the glaring disparity in the result of the entrance examination, pursuant to Ext. P1 evidenced by Ext. P2 in the light of the complaints submitted by the petitioners and others evidenced by Exts. P5 to/ P9 and other similar complaints and take such remedial action in accordance with law before finalization of the admission on 31.5.2012.” W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -11- ## 2. Adverting to the rival submissions, writ court, by judgment dated 02.04.2012 in W. P. (C) No. 7258 of 2012, ordered thus:- “4. In view of the Supreme Court decision on the subject of issue of copies of valued answer scripts of the examination in **Central Board of Secondary Education v. Aditya Bandopadyay** , 2011 (3) KLT SN 17 under the Right to Information Act, the respondents cannot now take the stand that in the absence of provision in the prospectus, copies of question booklet, answer scripts and answer key cannot be issued to the candidates. The petitioners also refer to Ext.P10 order of the Central Information Commission, whereby supply of copies of similar documents have been ordered. In the above circumstances, this writ petition is disposed of with the following direction: If the petitioners have applied for the copies of question booklet, answer scripts and answer key to them under the Right to Information Act, the respondents shall see that the same is supplied to them within one week from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.” 3. Being aggrieved, R. P. No. 363 of 2012 has been filed by the State of Kerala, represented by the Secretary to the Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Thiruvananthapuram and others. W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -12- 4. After hearing the learned counsel appearing for the parties, by order dated 10.04.2012 in R. P. No. 363 of 2012 in W. P. (C) No. 7258 of 2012, learned Single Judge dismissed the review petition, as under:- “3. It is settled law that the difficulties in collecting the information is no ground to deny a person the right conferred by the Right to Information Act for receiving information. The learned counsel for the petitioners in the writ petition submits that earlier, copy of similar OMR sheet for MBBS examination was issued to the 88[th] petitioner in the writ petition itself. Whatever that be, insofar as it is settled law that difficulties in collecting information is not a ground to deny a person the right conferred by the Right to Information Act, I am not inclined to review my judgment.” 5. Being aggrieved by the judgment dated 02.04.2012 in W. P. (C) No. 7258 of 2012 and the order dated 10.04.2012 in R. P. No. 363 of 2012, instant W. A. No. 791 of 2012 is filed. 6. Though some of the respondents have not been served, it is the submission of Mr. V. Tekchand, learned Senior Government Pleader, that after 2012, the question booklets and answer keys have been published. 7. Ms. Athira T. S., learned counsel appearing for the W. A. No. 791 of 2012 -13- respondents, submitted that as on today, nothing survives for adjudication in the writ appeal. 8. Placing on record the above, the writ appeal is dismissed as infructuous. Issue relating to furnishing of OMR sheets under the Right to Information Act, 2005, is left open. **Sd/S. MANIKUMAR CHIEF JUSTICE** **Sd/SHAJI P. CHALY JUDGE** Eb ///TRUE COPY/// P. A. TO JUDGE