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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 26467
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
M.DHANDAPANI, J
T.Akilan – Appellant
Versus
The Registrar Anna University – Respondent
W.M.P.No.9147 of 2026
For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Manoj Vasanth
For Respondent(s): Mr.U.Bharanidharan Standing Counsel For R1, Ms.P.G.Aishwariya for R2
No automatic bar to college attendance due to pending criminal case; eligibility for exams requires 75% attendance.
Headnote:Under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner sought a writ of mandamus to permit continuation of studies in the 6th semester and condone attendance shortage due to a pending criminal case, without reference thereto. The petitioner, a B.E. student admitted for 2023-2027, faced a criminal case (Crime No.359 of 2025), was granted bail, but was prevented from 5th semester exams due to low attendance. The court noted the college's submission of 20.7% attendance. The key issue was eligibility for exams despite low attendance amid criminal proceedings. The college clarified no bar to attending classes, requiring 75% attendance for exam eligibility, and allowed arrear paper attendance upon fee payment. The writ petition was disposed of directing the petitioner to attend classes, with no order as to costs.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. petition seeks mandamus for study continuation despite criminal case. (Para 1 , 2) |
| 2. low attendance bars exams; classes permitted with 75% requirement. (Para 3 , 4) |
| 3. petition disposed directing class attendance. (Para 5) |
ORDER
The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st and 2nd respondents, to permit the petitioner to continue his studies, to enter the College, and attend classes for the 6th semester, and further to restore and regularise the Petitioners attendance by condoning the shortage of attendance allegedly caused due to the acts of the respondents, without reference to the pendency of the criminal case.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is a student pursuing B.E. (Computer Science and Engineering), having been admitted to the second respondent College for the academic year 2023-2027.
Subsequently, a criminal case in Crime No.359 of 2025 was registered against the petitioner on the file of Kuniyamuthur Police Station; consequently, he was granted bail on 02.12.2025. Thereafter, the 5th semester examinations commenced on 12.12.2025. However, the petitioner was interdicted from attending classes for the 6th semester and prevented from appearing for the 5th semester examinations solely on account of the pendency of the said criminal case. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been preferred.
3. The learned counsel for the second respondent College submitted that the petitioner has secured only 20.7% of attendance and consequently, is ineligible to participate in the 5th semester examinations. However, there is no bar for the petitioner to attend the classes.
4. It was further submitted that if the petitioner satisfies the required attendance of 75%, he would be eligible to participate in the 5th semester examinations. It was also submitted that the petitioner is in arrears in two papers and that he may attend the classes in the second respondent College at any time, upon payment of the necessary fees.
5. Recording the submission of the learned counsel appearing for the second respondent College, this Writ Petition stands disposed of with a direction to the petitioner to attend the classes in the second respondent College. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.
