Applicability of principle of promissory estoppel.

Meenakshi College for Women represented by its Principal has filed this writ petition for issue of a mandamus directing the University of Madras, the first respondent herein, to confer autonomous status for the petitioner college, based on the report of the Second Inspection Commission headed by Justice P. Venugopal (Retd.), for a period of five years from the current academic year 1989-90 after getting the concurrence of the State of Tamil Nadu and the Chairman, University Grants Commission, respondents 2 and 3 herein.

2. The petitioner college was started in, the year 1975-76 and is affiliated to the first respondent University. At present, it is having nine under-graduate courses and seven postgraduate courses plus M.C.A. Course. It has been adopting the curriculum issued by the University and following the University Syllabus. By a communication dated 21-3-1989, the University informed the petitioner of the launching of a programme of "autonomous Colleges" and its contemplation to invite applications from affiliated colleges which wish to be considered for autonomous status. Much reliance is placed on this communication by the petitioner and it is worthwhile to extract the relevant portions thereof :-

"You will be interested to know that this University is contemplating inviting applications from its affiliated colleges which wish to be considered for autonomous status. Briefly, this status involves freedom for the selected colleges to experiment and innovate with regard to its curriculum, methods of teaching and learning and conduct of examinations, while degrees are conferred by the University. This status will be for an initial period of five years but a review would be undertaken after three years by the University and the University Grants Commission.

The conferment of autonomous status on a college itself will not entitle a college to any extra financial privileges. The extra assistance arising out of autonomy would be only marginal and related to the special academic programmes developed by such colleges. You may wish to consult your Board of Management in arriving at a decision as to whether your college should be considered for the autonomous status.

The college which wishes to come under autonomous status should be an affiliated college of this University having not less than Ten years of standing and accorded permanent affiliation.

The college should also pay to the University a fee of Rs. 5, 000/- (Rupees Five thousand only) along with the application, which is not refundable. The fee may be sent through a State Bank of India Demand Draft drawn in favour of 'The Registrar, University of Madras, Madras - 600 005'.

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A copy of the "UGC Revised Guidelines on Autonomous Colleges (1986)" and a Questionnaire (Annexures-I and II) to be filled in by the college are also sent herewith. The details as required in the Questionnaire should be sent to the University, in a booklet form (30 copies) for consideration.

I shall be glad to receive detailed proposals/application from your college in this regard so as to reach this office on or before 7th April, 1989 for consideration by the University; otherwise, it will be construed that the college is not willing to come under the autonomous status." *

3. Though the communication specified 7th April, 1989 as the last date for receipt of proposals/application from the college, the latter replied only by a letter dated 26-4-1989. It was stated in that letter that the delay was due to the fact that the Committee of Management could meet only on 24th April, 1989 and give its consent for asking autonomous status for the college. It was stated that the college would be accordingly applying for autonomy with effect from the academic year 1989-90 for all the courses conducted in that college, and the detailed particulars in the prescribed questionnaires are under preparation and would be sent to the University shortly. A request was mad