The Madras High Court has upheld the expulsion of two law students from Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), ruling that a university is entitled to take immediate disciplinary action when students are allegedly involved in grave misconduct affecting campus safety and the institution's reputation. The Division Bench refused to interfere with an earlier order of the Single Judge, holding that the university's action was consistent with its code of conduct.
Background of the Case
The appeal was filed by U. Dinesh Kumar and Absar Ali M., who challenged the dismissal of their writ petition as well as the university's order dated July 11, 2025, removing them from the rolls of the institution. They had sought permission to continue their legal education pending disciplinary proceedings and the related criminal investigation.
According to the records before the Court, a criminal case was registered against the appellants and another person at F2 Egmore Police Station, Chennai. The FIR alleged that they had kidnapped a fellow student and demanded a ransom of ₹2 lakh. Following the registration of the case, the university expelled the students and directed them to collect their transfer certificates.
Before the High Court, the appellants argued that merely because an FIR had been registered, the university could not impose the extreme penalty of expulsion without first conducting an inquiry through its disciplinary committee. They also contended that they had not been given an opportunity to be heard before the order was passed.
The university, however, maintained that the allegations involved an extremely serious incident concerning a student of the same institution and had attracted adverse publicity. It submitted that the code of conduct empowered it to expel students whose actions, even outside the campus, affected the institution's interests or student safety.
Court's Observations
After examining the record, the Division Bench noted that the university's code of conduct required students to respect the rights and safety of others and prohibited misconduct that could damage the university's reputation or endanger members of the institution. The rules also specifically permitted permanent expulsion in appropriate cases.
The Bench observed that the university had a duty to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for its students. It held that when allegations involve the kidnapping of a co-student, the institution is justified in acting promptly to protect the campus community.
The Court observed,
"It is the duty of the respondent college to take action and ensure a free and conducive environment for the students to undergo the course."
It further noted that
"the students cannot attend college courses in a state of limbo and fear."
Addressing the argument that a committee inquiry was necessary before expulsion, the Bench found that, considering the seriousness of the allegations and the university's disciplinary rules, no further inquiry was required before taking action.
The Court observed,
"In view of the gravity of the offence, nothing remains to be enquired by a Committee, when the code of conduct permits expulsion."
Decision
Finding no legal error in the Single Judge's decision or the university's disciplinary action, the Division Bench dismissed the writ appeal.
The Court also closed the connected interim application without any order as to costs.
Case Details
Case Title: U. Dinesh Kumar & Another v. Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Case Number: W.A. No. 632 of 2026
Judges: Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan
Decision Date: July 6, 2026
 Act, 2007 KAAPA-300x169.webp)
