Ramey Krishan Rana vs Union Of India & Ors

D.N.Patel, CJ

Proceedings  in  the  matter  have  been  conducted  through  video conferencing.

C.M.No.25202/2020 (exemptions)

Allowed, subject to all just exceptions.

The application is disposed of.

W.P.(C) No.7584/2020 & C.M.No.25201/2020(interim relief)

This public interest litigation has been preferred with the following prayers:-

"(i)   issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No.1 to issue   detailed   guidelines   directing   Universities   and University like institutions to charge only tuition fees which is to be charged in installments either on a monthly basis or quarterly basis;

(ii) issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No. 1 to formulate guidelines directing Universities and University like institutions to disclose the break-up of fees charged from students in order to ascertain the tuition fee component from the lump-sum fee being charged;

(iii) issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No. 1 to issue directions to Universities and University like institutions to grant concessions to parents on a case-to-case basis in the form of extension of time period to deposit fees or payment on installment basis;

(iv) issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No. 1 to issue directions to Universities and University like institutions refrain from increasing their fee;

(v) issue a writ of mandamus directing the Respondents to ensure access of Online Education/material/classes to all students, without any discrimination, even to students who are unable to pay the school fee due to financial crisis arising out of the ongoing conditions;

(vi) issue a writ of mandamus directing the Respondents to formulate guidelines to ensure Universities and University-like institution to provide students with gadgets, 4G data-packs to be able to access online classes being conducted or, in the alternative provide students with printed study material, pen drives of lectures or infrastructure within premises for attending the online classes; and

(vii) pass any other order as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the present facts and circumstances, in the interest of justice."

Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and looking to the limited submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner that it would suffice for the disposal of this petition if the same is treated as a representation by the concerned respondents authorities, we direct that the present writ petition be treated as a representation by the concerned respondent authorities. Keeping in mind the difficulties of the students, the respondent authorities are directed to decide the representation in accordance with law, rules, regulations and Government policies applicable to the facts of the case.

With these observations, the writ petition is disposed of.