SUBBALAKSHMI LAKSHMIPATHY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT, MADURAI Vs. UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) . - This writ petition is filed to set aside the Government Order in G.O. Ms. No. 429, Higher Education dated 4.10.2000, and consequently direct the respondents to consider and examine the proposals submitted by the petitioner for autonomous status and submit its recommendations to the University Grants Commission without reference to the impugned Government Order, dated 4.10.2000.

(2.) The petitioner-college was established by Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy Foundation Trust, Madurai. According to the petitioner, the college, namely, Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy College of Science is affiliated to Maduraj Kamaraj University and functioning from the year 1994. The college is having courses in Hotel Management & Catering Sciences (3 year Degree Programme), M.B.A. (2 year Post-graduate programme) and P.G. Diploma in Bakery Science and Management year programme).

(3.) It is also the case of the petitioner that the said college has been recognised by the University Grants Commission, as an institution which satisfies the status of a University Grants Commission Act. So, with a view to get autonomous status, the petitioner sent proposals for conferment of autonomous status to the Madurai Kamaraj University in Oct. 1998. A Standing Committee comprising of 5 members was disputed to visit the petitioner-college and submit a report. After such visit on 1.4.1999, the committee submitted its report to the University. Thereafter, the Maduraj Kamraj University forwarded its recommendations to the State Government in Aug. 1999. The State Government has to make recommendations for conferment of autonomous status to the colleges, for the consideration of the University Grants Commission, as per the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission. Thereafter, the Government directed the Joint Director of Collegiate Education, (Finance) and the Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Madurai to visit the College. The said Committee visited the petitioner's institution on 26.10.99. They had submitted their report. According to. the petitioner, the Director of Collegiate Education had also recommended to the State Government, his recommendations to the effect that the petitioner-college can be granted autonomous status.