JUDGMENT

G.P. Mathur, J.-The introduction of "Jyotir Vigyan", (science of astrology) as a course of study by the University Grants Commission is subject matter of challenge in the present appeal which has been preferred by special leave against the judgment and order dated April 27, 2001 of High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

2. A writ petition by way of public interest litigation was filed in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh praying that a writ of mandamus be issued commanding the University Grants Commission not to start and give any funds for Graduate and Post-Graduate Courses (BSc. and MSc.) in Jyotir Vigyan. The petition was preferred by Dr. P.M. Bhargava who was founder Director of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad and had received many awards including "Padma Bhushan" in the year 1986 for his research, work and contribution to science. The other petitioners were Prof. K. Subash Chandra Reddy who was Head of Department of Political Science, Osmania University, and Mrs. Chandana Chakrabarti who is a writer and consultant. It was pleaded in the writ petition that the University Grants Commission (for short `the UGC ) had taken a decision to start and give grants for