A.P. HIGH COURT SLAMS HOD OF ACHARYA NAGARJUNA UNIVERSITY – ABRUPTLY CANCELLED ADMISSION – IMPOSES EXEMPLARY COSTS
In a recent judgment, the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati, strongly criticized the “extreme perversity” displayed by the Head of the Department of Rural Development in a case involving the cancellation of an admission. The court ordered the withdrawal of the cancellation order and imposed exemplary costs on the responsible authority.
The case revolved around Gurram Bhagyaraju, who had taken admission in the M.A. Rural Development course at Nagarjuna University. Despite meeting the eligibility criteria specified in the prospectus, the Head of the Department abruptly cancelled Bhagyaraju’s admission, citing his postgraduate degree in MBA (I.B.) as a disqualification.
Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad, while delivering the judgment, expressed his displeasure with the lack of application of mind by the Head of the Department. The court labeled the decision as “extremely perverse” and detrimental to the petitioner’s future and career.
Justice Prasad stated, “The eligibility conditions for securing admission are clearly set out in the Prospectus. On a perusal of this Prospectus, it appears to this Court that a person of ordinary prudence and minimum education could have read and understood the eligibility conditions.”
To rectify the injustice caused to the petitioner, the court ordered the immediate withdrawal of the cancellation order. Additionally, exemplary costs of Rs. 15,000 were imposed on the Head of the Department, acknowledging the petitioner’s financial burden in pursuing legal recourse.
The court directed the Registrar of Acharya Nagarjuna University to pay the exemplary costs to the petitioner and recover the amount by deducting it from the salary of the Head of the Department. The Registrar was also instructed to file an affidavit of compliance within five weeks.
This judgment serves as a reminder to educational institutions to exercise due diligence and ensure fair and informed decision-making, as the future and careers of students should not be jeopardized by negligent actions.
The case has shed light on the importance of upholding the integrity of admission procedures and holding responsible authorities accountable for their actions.
Date of Decision: June 15, 2023
GURRAM BHAGYA RAJU VS STATE OF ANDHRA PARDESH ETC
