Dr. Janet Jeyapaul v. SRM University and Ors. - (Supreme Court) (15 Dec 2015)

“Deemed university” within ambit of Article 226 jurisdiction

MANU/SC/1438/2015

Constitution

A ‘Deemed University’, all functions and activities of which are governed by the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 discharges ‘public functions’, bringing it under the jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has held. The instant case was based on a dispute arising from the dismissal of a lecturer at SRM University for various reasons. Appellant-Lecturer’s petition was heard before a Single Judge of the High Court, which quashed her termination, however, on subsequent appeal, the Division Bench rather than hear the matter on merits dismissed it for not being maintainable under Article 226 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court accepted submissions that imparting education to students at large brought benefit to the public.

Relevant : Executive Committee of Vaish Degree College, Shamli v. Lakshmi Narain MANU/SC/0052/1979 Zee Telefilms Ltd. and Anr. v. Union of India and Ors. MANU/SC/0074/2005 Article 226 Constitution of India Act

Tags : PUBLIC BENEFIT EDUCATION DEEMED UNIVERSITY