( 1 ) THESE appeals under Clause 15 of the Letters Patent of the Court from a common judgment in the petitions under Article 226 of the Constitution of India raise the question whether Osmania and Kakatiya Universities in the State of Andhra Pradesh are under obligation to hold external examinations as were being conducted until the University Grants Commission (for short UGC) decided that no such external examinations be conducted by any of the Universities in the State.

( 2 ) IT is not in dispute that apart from holding regular courses of formal studies there has been a system of non-formal examinations for B. A, B. Com, B. Sc. ; and M. A. , M. Com. , M. Sc. Maths in vogue. Candidates in the non-formal system of studies were taken through external examinations for the aforementioned courses without undergoing regular classes in the colleges recognised or run by the Universities. They could prepare in their homes and appear for the examination by paying necessary fees. For the purpose of appearing in the examination they were, however, required to register their names and once registered they could appear in the examination within a period of five years. Universit