W.A.No.1938 of 2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 09.07.2026 CORAM : THE HONOURABLE MR. SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN W.A.No.1938 of 2026 and CMP N o .17168 of 2026 1. The Registrar Anna University, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai-600 025. 2. The Dean University College of Engineering, Pattukottai, A Constituent College of Anna University, Rajamadam, Pattukkottai, Thanjavur District - 614 701. Appellant(s) Vs 1. Muthukumar S/o.V.M.Subramanian, No.3/172, Melur Village and Post, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukkottai District - 622 507. 2. The Secretary Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009. Respondent(s) ______________ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.A.No.1938 of 2026 PRAYER : Appeal filed under Clause 15 of the Letters Patent to set aside the interim order dated 17.06.2026 passed by the learned Single Judge in WMP No.23739 of 2026 in W.P.No.21890 of 2026. For Appellant(s): Mr.Ajmal Khan, Senior Counsel (Through Video Conferencing) for M/s. Ajmal Associates For Respondent(s):Mr.K.Kumaran Government Pleader for R2 JUDGMENT (Delivered by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) This appeal is preferred by Anna University and the Dean of the University College of Engineering Pattukottai, challenging an order of interim stay passed by a learned Single Judge on 17.6.2026, in a pending writ petition. 2. The dispute stems from a notification issued by the Anna University inviting applications for its research programs, including Ph.D. admissions, for the July 2026 session. The writ petitioner/first respondent herein filed the writ petition expressing concern that this academic intake was being utilized as a mechanism to fill ______________ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.A.No.1938 of 2026 regular teaching faculty vacancies. The learned Single Judge granted an interim stay on 17.6.2026. 3. Learned Senior Counsel for the appellants submits that admitting research students is entirely distinct from appointing faculty. It is pointed out that halting the admission process leaves 2,304 applicants in limbo, disrupting their academic dreams and delaying the entire research semester. 4. While we understand the University's urgency and the stress on the student community, we must also look at where the case currently stands procedurally. A review of the record reveals the following chronological facts: (i) The learned Single Judge originally granted the interim stay on 17.6.2026, specifically restricting its operation up to 25.6.2026. As on date, that initial deadline has passed. (iii) Subsequently, the main matter was actively listed before the learned Single Judge on 6.7.2026. On that date, the learned Judge adjourned the ______________ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.A.No.1938 of 2026 proceedings to 10.8.2026, and extended the interim stay order until then. It is also not in dispute that the appellants were represented before the learned Single Judge on both the dates of hearing. 5. As the main writ petition and the miscellaneous petitions are actively being heard by the learned Single Judge, it would not be appropriate for this Division Bench to delve deeply into the merits of the case at an interim stage. The most practical way forward is to advance the arguments raised in this appeal directly before the learned Single Judge, who is seized of the matter. 6. We are, therefore, disposing of this appeal with the following directions: (i) The appellants are granted liberty to file an application before the learned Single Judge to vacate or modify the interim stay order in subsistence; (ii) If such an application is filed, the learned Single Judge shall consider the grievance ventilated by the University, especially regarding the academic ______________ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.A.No.1938 of 2026 schedule and the fate of the research applicants, and pass orders on merits, as expeditiously as possible. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition stand disposed of. No costs. (SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI,CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J) 09.07.2026 Index : Yes/No Neutral Citation : Yes/No sasi To: 1. The Secretary Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009. ______________ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.A.No.1938 of 2026 THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND G.ARUL MURUGAN,J. (sasi) W.A.No.1938 of 2026 09.07.2026 ______________ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis