SADHU RAM HARDWARI LAL Vs. PRINCIPAL, RAJINDRA COLLEGE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution.

(2.) The Petitioner, Sadhu Ram, was a scholar in the Ist year of the Intermediate class in the Rajindra College at Bhatinda. The letters addressed to the scholars of the College were censored, by the Principal; in the case of the boy scholars they were delivered to them in his pre-section and in the case of girl scholars they were opened by him before delivery. On 16-5-1953, the Principal round a letter addressed to a girl scholar of the College by a scholar of the 1st yea- in the Intermediate class and the Principal considered it rather objectionable letter. The letter is in these terms My darling Namastey. It congratulate you on your success in the first year Class. But I amja. little sorry that (you) my darling, secured low marks. Now, I can time Pay my B.C. to your parents.

(3.) In the reply put in by the Advocate General on behalf the Principal, supported by the affidavit of the Principal, a slightly different version of the case has been given. It is admitted that the Principal intercepted the letter on 16-5-1953, when he read it he called the Petitioner and questioned him whether the latter was its writer. Petitioner became pale but denied having a the letter. Two leaves from his copy-were taken by the Principal in order to com-his hand-writing with the hand-writing Of the writer of the letter. The Petitioner was asked to ' weit outside the office. Sometime later when the Principal again wanted to see the Petitioner, he was not to be found.' A- peon of the College was sent to his place of residence on that very day bu-" reported back that the Petitioner was not avail able at his residence. The pe'on left a message for the Petitioner, that his presence was required; by the Principal, The Petitioner did not turn upon that day.