P.K. Misra, J.

Heard Mr. Thirumavalavan for the appellant, Mr. S. Rajasekar, Addl. Government Pleader for Respondents and Mrs. Karthika Ashok, who had been appointed as Amicus curiae to assist the court.

2. The appellant was a student in Film Direction and Screenplay writing in M.G.R.Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, which is a Government institute conducting diploma courses in different fields including the Film Direction. The question relates to shortage of attendance of the appellant during the academic session of 2005-2006, between June 2005 and March 2006 to be precise. It is not in dispute that the rules and regulations relating to attendance of class envisage that a student is required to attend 80% of the classes in the year concerned. Regulations 3.2 and 3.2 are as follows:-

"3.2 Requirements to appear for Examination:

The Examinations will be conducted at the end of the year for the first year subjects and at the end of each semester for semester subjects by the Board of Examinations. A candidate will be permitted to appear for the Boards Examinations, only if:

(i) he / she secure 80% attendance in the year / semester concerned

(ii) he / she earns a