X Vs. MAHARASHTRA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, a student pursuing B.A.LL.B. (Honours) Course with the Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai has approached this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India raising a challenge to the order dtd. 21/06/2024 passed by the Vice Chancellor on the appeal preferred by the petitioner challenging the communication dtd. 17/06/2023 issued by the in-charge Registrar expelling him from the University with immediate effect.

(2.) Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith and heard learned counsel for the parties.

(3.) The facts giving rise to the present proceeding are that the petitioner - hereinafter referred to as 'X', a student of the 2019-2024 B.A.LL.B. (Honours) batch is alleged to have indulged in objectionable behaviour with the 4th respondent - hereinafter referred to as 'Y'. She was required to make a complaint on 01/03/2023 to the Internal Complaint Committee, MNLU - ICC of an incident stated to have taken place on 26-27/02/2023. The complaint was considered by the ICC and on the basis of material placed before it, report dtd. 20/05/2023 came to be submitted. The ICC recommended action against 'X' on the ground that he was found guilty of sexual harassment for the second time. Despite the earlier punishment of expulsion from the hostel, no reform in his conduct was noticed. It was thus recommended that 'X' should be expelled from the University Rolls. On the basis of the aforesaid recommendation, the incharge Registrar issued an office order on 17/06/2023 expelling 'X' from the MNLU with immediate effect. His name was directed to be struck off from the Rolls of students.