APHC010260752026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI (Special Original Jurisdiction) WEDNESDAY, THE 19th DAY OF AUGUST 2026 PRESENT THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA WRIT PETITION NOs: 13672, 13703, 13706 & 13709 OF 2026 WRIT PETITION NO: 13672 OF 2026 Between: 1. Vignan Institute of Information Technology (Autonomous), Rep by its Principal Sri. Jyothula Sudhakar Beside VSEZ, Duvvada, Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh. 2. Vignan's Institute of Engineering for Women (A), Rep by its Principal Smt. Baratam Arundhati Kapujaggaraju Peta, Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. 3. S.Vignan Institute of Pharmaceutical, Technology (Autonomous) Rep by its Principal Sri. Y. SrinivaSa Rao Kapujaggaraju Peta, Duvvada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh ...Petitioners AND 1. The State of Andhra Pradesh, Represented by its Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Velagapudi, Guntur District, Andhra Pradedh. 522238 2. The Commissioner of Higher Education, O/o Commissionerate of Higher Education, Ground and Second Floors, Garudadri KK Towers, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Colony, Mangalagiri - 522503 Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. 2 3. The Registrar, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Vizianagaram, Vizianagaram, Vizianagaram District Andhra Pradesh. ...Respondents Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed therewith, the High Court may be pleased to issue an appropriate Writ, Order or Direction, more particularly one in the nature of a Writ of Mandamus, declaring the action of the 3rd Respondent University, namely Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Vizianagaram, in issuing the impugned proceedings Lr. No. JNTUK/DAL/Payment of Dues to University/2026, Dated 2025 whereby the conduct of Fact Finding Committee inspections and consideration of the Petitioner institutions for grant of affiliation for the academic year 2026-27 has been made conditional upon payment of the alleged Common Services Fee (UCS), as illegal, arbitrary, without jurisdiction, and contrary to the statutory scheme governing affiliation, apart from being in violation of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, especially in the light of the fact that the very levy, applicability and enforceability of the said Common Services Fee is sub judice and pending adjudication before this Honourable Court in batch of Writ Petitions vide WP No.19487 of 2023 , and consequently set aside the said impugned proceedings dated and issue such other writ or order or direction as deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of case, and to pass such IA NO: 1 OF 2026 Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased to suspend the operation of the impugned communication and direct the 3rd Respondent University to forthwith conduct FFC inspections and grant affiliation to the Petitioner institutions for the academic year 2026-27, without insisting upon payment of UCS, pending disposal of the Writ Petition, and pass such 3 Counsel for the Petitioners: SRI VIJAY MATHUKUMILLI Counsel for the Respondents: GP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Counsel for the Respondents: B RAMA SANKARA RAO SC FOR JNTU GURAJADA VIZIANAGARAM WRIT PETITION NO: 13703 OF 2026 Between: 1. KAKINADA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY FOR WOMEN, Jnanabhumi Code. 14487 Rep by its Chairman Sri. Pothula Venkata Viswam Korangi, Tallarevu Mandal East Godavdri District, Andhra Pradesh. 2. Kakinada Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jnanabhumi Code. 14486 Rep by its Chairman Sri. Pothula Venkata Viswam Korangi, Tallarevu Mandal East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. 3. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Management and Science, Jnanabhumi Code. 16763 Rep by its Chairman Sri. Pothula Venkata Viswam Thimmapuram village, Achampeta Kakinada, Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh. 4. Kakinada Institute of Engineering and Technology - II, Jnanabhumi Code. 22332 Rep by its Chairman Sri. Pothula Venkata Viswam Korangi, Tallarevu Mandal East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh ...Petitioners AND 1. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, Represented by its Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Velagapudi, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. 522238 4 2. The Commissioner of Higher Education, O/o Commissionerate of Higher Education, Ground and Second Floors, Garudadri KK Towers, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Colony, Mangalagiri - 522503 Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. 3. The Registrar, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada, Ramanayyapeta, Kakinada Andhra Pradesh - 533003. ...Respondents Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed therewith, the High Court may be pleased to issue an appropriate Writ, Order or Direction, more particularly one in the nature of a Writ of Mandamus, declaring the action of the 3rd Respondent University, namely Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada, in issuing the impugned proceedings Lr. No. JNTUK/DAL/Payment of Dues to University/2026, Dated 28-04-2026, whereby the conduct of Fact Finding Committee inspections and consideration of the Petitioner institutions for grant of affiliation for the academic year 2026-27 has been made conditional upon payment of the alleged Common Services Fee (UCS), as illegal, arbitrary, without jurisdiction, and contrary to the statutory scheme governing affiliation, apart from being in violation of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, especially in the light of the fact that the very levy, applicability and enforceability of the said Common Services Fee is sub judice and pending adjudication before this Honourable Court in batch of Writ Petitions vide WP No. 19487 of 2023 , and consequently set aside the said impugned proceedings dated 28-04-2026 and issue such other writ or order or direction as deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of case, and to pass IA NO: 1 OF 2026 Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased to suspend the operation of the impugned communication dated 28-04-2026 5 and direct the 3rd Respondent University to forthwith conduct FFC inspections and grant affiliation to the Petitioner institutions for the academic year 2026-27, without insisting upon payment of UCS, pending disposal of the Writ Petition, and pass Counsel for the Petitioners: SRI VIJAY MATHUKUMILLI Counsel for the Respondents: GP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Counsel for the Respondents: CH.S.V.SURAJ SC For JNTU KAKINADA WRIT PETITION NO: 13706 OF 2026 Between: 1. VIGNAN PHARMACY COLLEGE AUTONOMOUS, Rep by its Principal Sri. Puttagunta Srinivasa Babu Vadlamudi, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh- 522 213. 2. Vignans Nirula Institute of Technology and Science for Women, Rep by its Pricipal Smt. Paturi Radhika Vignan Avenue, Peda Palakaluru, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh- 522009 3. Vignans Lara Institute of Technology and Science (Autonomous), Rep by its Principal Sri. Kopparthi Phaneendra Kumar Vadlamudi, Chebrolu Mandal, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh- 522 213. ...Petitioners AND 1. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, Represented by its Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Velagapudi, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. 2. The Commissioner of Higher Education, O/o Commissionerate of Higher Education, Ground and Second Floors, Garudadri KK Towers, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Colony, Mangalagiri - 522503 Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. 6 3. The Registrar, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada Ramanayyapeta, Kakinada Andhra Pradesh - 533003. ...Respondents Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed therewith, the High Court may be pleased to issue an appropriate Writ, Order or Direction, more particularly one in the nature of a Writ of Mandamus, declaring the action of the 3rd Respondent University, namely Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada, in issuing the impugned proceedings Lr. No. JNTUK/DAL/Payment of Dues to University/2026, Dated 28-04-2026 and 01-05-2026, whereby the conduct of Fact Finding Committee inspections and consideration of the Petitioner institutions for grant of affiliation for the academic year 2026-27 has been made conditional upon payment of the alleged Common Services Fee (UCS), as illegal, arbitrary, without jurisdiction, and contrary to the statutory scheme governing affiliation, apart from being in violation of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, especially in the light of the fact that the very levy, applicability and enforceability of the said Common Services Fee is sub judice and pending adjudication before this Honourable Court in batch of Writ Petitions vide WP No. 19487 of 2023 consequently set aside the said impugned proceedings dated 28-04- 2026 and 01-05-2026 and issue such other writ or order or direction as deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of case, and to pass IA NO: 1 OF 2026 Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased to suspend the operation of the impugned communication and direct the 3rd Respondent University to forthwith conduct FFC inspections and grant affiliation to the Petitioner institutions for the academic year 2026-27, without insisting upon payment of UCS, pending disposal of the Writ Petition, and pass such other order or orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit and 7 proper in the circumstances of the case, pending disposal of the above writ petition and to pass Counsel for the Petitioners: SRI VIJAY MATHUKUMILLI Counsel for the Respondents: GP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Counsel for the Respondents: CH.S.V.SURAJ SC For JNTU KAKINADA WRIT PETITION NO: 13709 OF 2026 Between: 1. MAM Womens Engineering College, Rep by its Correspondent Sri. MR Sesha Girirao Kesanupalli Village, Narasaraopet Mandal, Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh ...Petitioner AND 1. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, Represented by its Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Velagapudi, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. 522238 2. The Commissioner of Higher Education, O/o Commissionerate of Higher Education, Ground and Second Fioors, Garudadri KK Towers, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Colony, Mangalagiri - 522503 Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. 3. The Registrar, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada, Ramanayyapeta, Kakinada Andhra Pradesh - 533003 ...Respondents Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed therewith, the High Court may be pleased to issue an appropriate Writ, Order or Direction, more particularly one in the nature of a Writ of Mandamus, declaring the action of the 3rd Respondent University, namely Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University 8 Kakinada, in issuing the impugned proceedings Lr. No. JNTUK/DAL/Payment of Dues to University/2026, Dated 28-04-2026, whereby the conduct of Fact Finding Committee inspections and consideration of the Petitioner institutions for grant of affiliation for the academic year 2026-27 has been made conditional upon payment of the alleged Common Services Fee (UCS), as illegal. arbitrary, without jurisdiction, and contrary to the statutory scheme governing affiliation, apart from being in violation of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India, especially in the light of the fact that the very levy, applicability and enforceability of the said Common Services Fee is sub judice and pending adjudication before this Honourable Court in batch of Writ Petitions vide WP No. 19487 of 2023 , and consequently set aside the said impugned proceedings dated and issue such other writ or order or direction as deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of case, and to pass such IA NO: 1 OF 2026 Petition under Section 151 CPC praying that in the circumstances stated in the affidavit filed in support of the petition, the High Court may be pleased to suspend the operation of the impugned communication and direct the 3rd Respondent University to forthwith conduct FFC inspections and grant affiliation to the Petitioner institutions for the academic year 2026-27, without insisting upon payment of UCS, pending disposal of the Writ Petition, and pass such other order or orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case, pending disposal of the above writ petition and to pass such Counsel for the Petitioner: SRI VIJAY MATHUKUMILLI Counsel for the Respondents: GP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Counsel for the Respondents: CH.S.V.SURAJ SC For JNTU KAKINADA 9 THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA WRIT PETITION NOs: 13672, 13703, 13706 & 13709 OF 2026 The Court made the following Common Order: Heard Sri Vijay Mathukumilli, learned counsel for the petitioners, learned Assistant Government Pleader for Higher Education and Sri Ch.S.V. Suraj, learned Standing Counsel for the respondents/JNTU. 2. It is stated by the learned counsel for the petitioners that, the interim order passed by this Court on 07-05-2026 has been complied with by the respondents. 3. Learned Standing Counsel for the respondents/JNTU would submit that the issue raised in the instant Writ Petition is squarely covered by a Judgment of the Coordinate Bench of this Court passed in W.P.No.19487 of 2023 & batch dated 11-08-2026, wherein this Court has disposed of the said Writ Petitions observing that: “26. Therefore, the writ petitions are disposed of with the following directions: (i) The petitioners-Colleges shall pay the amounts toward Common Services Fee for the academic years upto 2019-2020. (ii) The petitioners-Colleges are not liable to pay Common Services Fee for the block period covered by G.O.Ms.No.48 dated 23.12.2020. (iii) The State Government shall forthwith reimburse Respondent- University the shortfall in the Common Services Fee of Rs.1,850/- plus Rs.500/- towards admission fee per student for the period covered by G.O.Ms.No.48 dated 23.12.2020 for the academic years 2020-21 to 2022-23. 10 (iv) No order as to costs.” 4. Having regard to the same, the Writ Petitions are disposed of, in terms of the Judgment passed by the Coordinate Bench of this Court in W.P.No.19487 of 2023 & batch dated 11-08-2026. There shall be no order as to costs. 5. Registry is directed to append a copy of the order passed by the Coordinate Bench of this Court in W.P.No.19487 of 2023 & batch dated 11- 08-2026 to this order. As a sequel, all pending miscellaneous applications shall stand closed. ______________________________ JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA Dated: 19-08-2026 MSI 11 THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE KIRANMAYEE MANDAVA WRIT PETITION NOs: 13672, 13703, 13706 & 13709 OF 2026 Dated: 19-08-2026 MSI