Introduction:

In the case of University of Calicut v Ameen Rashid K P, the Kerala High Court delivered a significant judgment regarding the autonomy of colleges in managing student admissions and attendance. The dispute arose when the University of Calicut directed the Principal of SEEDAC College of Arts and Science to cancel a student’s admission based on attendance allegations. However, the Court, comprising a Division Bench led by Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen, ruled in favor of the student, emphasizing the limited supervisory role of the university.

Arguments:

The University of Calicut, represented by Advocate P C Sasidharan, argued that it had the authority to intervene in matters of student attendance and discipline. Conversely, Senior Advocate P Ravindran, along with Advocates P E Sajal and K Manoj Chandran, representing the student, contended that the university exceeded its jurisdiction by directing the cancellation of admission without sufficient evidence.

Court’s Judgment:

The Kerala High Court reiterated the autonomy of self-financing colleges in maintaining discipline and managing attendance. It emphasized that while the university oversees adherence to regulations, it cannot usurp the role of the college Principal. The Court criticized the university’s directive to cancel the student’s admission, highlighting that attendance-related matters fall within the purview of the college administration. Emphasizing the importance of procedural fairness, the Court ruled that the university’s action was unwarranted and dismissed the writ appeal.