SANDHYA SINGH Vs. PUNJABI UNIVERSITY, PATIALA AND ANR.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner Ms. Sandhya Singh prays for issuance of an appropriate writ, order or direction thereby quashing the order dated 24.11.2000 passed by the Punjabi University, Patiala, hereinafter referred to as the University, vide which the admission of the petitioner to the 5 years LL.B. Course has been cancelled. The facts giving rise to the present petition can be concisely stated. The petitioner passed her 10+2 examination from Bihar Intermediate Education Council, Patna, hereinafter referring to as Education Council, by securing first division. As the petitioner was desirous of pursuing 5 -years Law, Course, she intended to join Army Institute of Law hereinafter referred to as the Institute, which is located at Patiala. The application forms were invited by the said Institute and the last date for submission thereof was 31.3.2000. Written entrance lest was held on 25.5.2000. The petitioner secured 18th position in the merit list under the category of wards of Army Personnel. On 10.7.2000 petitioner was granted admission to the 5 -years LL.B. Course in the Institute. The University on 24.11.2000 wrote to the Institute that the petitioner had done her 10+2 from a Board which had been de -recognised by the University and as such her admission should be cancelled. The University vide its letter dated 11.7.2000 addressed to all the principals of the colleges informing about derecognition of the said Board, On 27.11.2000 the Institute wrote to the University that the students who had done their 10+2 examination from the Board from which the petitioner had done 10+2 examination, were given admission in the year 1999 -2000. However, vide letter dated 28.11.2000 the petitioner was informed about the cancellation of her admission to the Institute. The petitioner's father wrote a letter on 11.12.2000 attaching the verification certificate issued by the Education Council dated 7.12.2000 requesting therein that the petitioner be permitted to continue her course and the letter of cancellation be withdrawn. Having failed to redress her grievance, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.

(2.) Upon notice, separate replies were filed on behalf of the respective respondents. The Institute filed a written statement that it received the letter of the University on 15.7.2000 wherein the information in regard to derecognition of the Education Council, from where the petitioner has done 10+2 examination, was given. By that time, the petitioner had already been admitted to the Course on 10.7.2000. It was stated on behalf of the Institute that it has no objection if the petitioner is admitted and permitted to continue her course.

(3.) However, in the written statement filed on behalf of the University, it was stated that the University had already taken a decision to de -recognise the 10+2 examination held by the Education Council from the academic session 2000 -2001. It is only the eligible candidates who can be granted seats in the affiliated colleges. Upon verification of the certificate of the petitioner it was found that she had done her course from the said Education Council and was not eligible to take admission in the affiliated Colleges. The decision of the University was conveyed on 11.7.2000. As such according to the University, the petitioner is not entitled to any relief.