Holding

The Court held that, because the petitioner was not present at the time the vacancies were filled and his claim was made late, the admission of respondent No.6 could not be cancelled and no compensation could be awarded, rendering the petition under Article 32 non‑maintainable.

Summary

The petitioner, who had secured a rank of 418 (later placed at 423) in the 2004 Common Entrance Examination for BDS, sought a writ of mandamus under Article 32 directing the State of Haryana and related authorities to grant him admission in the Government Dental College, Rohtak. He alleged that a lower‑ranked candidate (respondent No.6) was admitted on September 30, 2004, through a back‑door entry, and claimed compensation for the loss. The Court examined whether the petitioner was present at the time the vacancies were filled, whether the admission of respondent No.6 could be set aside, and whether the petition was maintainable under Article 32. Finding that the petitioner was not present on September 30 and that his first representation was filed 18 days later, the Court held that the admission could not be cancelled and that no compensation could be awarded. Consequently, the petition was dismissed as not maintainable under Article 32.

Issues considered

Whether the petitioner is entitled to admission in the Government Dental College under a writ of mandamus under Article 32.
Whether the admission of respondent No.6, granted on September 30, 2004, can be cancelled.
Whether the petitioner is eligible for monetary compensation for the alleged illegal admission.
Whether the petition is maintainable under Article 32 of the Constitution.
Whether the authorities acted arbitrarily or mala fide in granting the admission to respondent No.6.

Subjects

AdmissionMeritBack‑door admissionWait‑listArticle 32CompensationPublic lawWrit of mandamusDental college

Judgment

VIKRAM DHILLON A
v.
STATE OF HARY ANA & ORS.

JANUARY 10,2007

[Y.K. SABHARWAL,CJI,C.K. THAKKERAND B
R.V. RA VEENDRAN, JJ.]

Constitution of India, !950-Art.32-Admission in Dental Col/ege-
On default of payment of fee by candidate, vacancy arose-Respondent 6
was present and was granted admission-Petitioner who was senior to C
Respondent 6 in wait-list was not present and hence not granted
admission-Writ ofmandamus to authorities for admission-Maintainability
of-Held, Not maintainable-At this stage admission of respondent 6
cannot be cancelled-Since petitioner was not present on the date of
admission it would not be appropriate to award compensation to him in
D
exercise of extraordinary powers under Art.32-lt is however open to
petitioner to take appropriate proceedings in accordance with law-

' Education/Educational institutions.

The present petition is filed for writ of mandamus seeking direction
to the State and other respondent authorities to grant admission to the E
petitioner in BDS in open category in Governmental Dental College-
respondent no. 8 for the academic year 2004-05.

The petitioner's case is that respondent No. 2 - University invited
applications for 'Common Entrance Examination 2004' (CEE) for admission
to MBBS/BDS in medical/dental colleges/institutes of the State of Haryana. F
Petitioner applied for aforesaid examination and appeared on June 21,
2004. On June 28, 2004, respondent No.2 notified the result of CEE on
Notice Board. Though the Prospectus provided that result would be notified
to the candidates individuality by UPS post, the petitioner was not intimated.
He, however, found out from the internet that he had secured 128 marks G
out of 180 marks and was ranked at Sl.No.418 in the open category. He
came to know that the counselling was to be held at Rohtak on August 9,
2004. He attended the counselling and submitted all his certificates,
mnrks-sheets etc. He, however, found that he had been arbitrarily placed
at rank No. 423 instead of 418. The petitioner initially opted for MBBS H
297
298 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 1 S.C.R.

A course in any of the medical colleges mentioned in the Prospectus.
Alternatively, however, he opted for BDS course in Government Dental
College, Rohtak,Since the petitioner was informed that there were no seats
available in MBBS anywhere or in BDS course in Government Dental
College, Rohtak, he was constrained to opt for BDS course in a private
Dental College, i.e. M.M. College of Dental Science & Research, Mullana.
B
Petitioner attended the second and the third counselling. On 17.10.2004,
he came to know that though respondent no.6 had secured rank No.442, she
had been granted admission and petitioner who ranked at SI.No. 423 was
denied admission.

c Petitioner contended that action of authorities and respondent No.9
was malicious and ma/a fide and back door entry was given to respondent
No. 6 on extraneous considerations. Aggrieved, petitioner filed the present
writ petition.

D The Authorities contended that the impugned action could not be said
to be contrary to law. Since the petitioner neither 'waitlisted' himself nor
was present on September 30, 2004, admission was granted to respondent
No.6.

E Dismissing the writ petition, the Court

HELD: 1.1. The petitioner got himself wait-listed at the first
counselling on 9.8.2004 when he was admitted to Dental College at
Mullana. Prima facie, he is right ln so submitting keeping in view his
subsequent conduct. If he was satisfied with the admission in Dental
F College, Mullana and was not interested in getting himself admitted to
Government Dental College, Rohtak or in changing th~ institute/college, it
was not necessary for him to remain present at the second and 'third'
counselling. It was because of the fact that though he was admitted to
Private Dental College at Mullana, he was ~eeking admission in Government
•
G Dental College, Rohtak that he attended second and 'third' counselling.
The factum of attendance at second and 'third' counselling has not been
denied. But, the petitioner has not expressly and unequivocally stated that
he was present on September 30, 2004 when respondent No. 6 was granted
admission. Up to September 29, 2004, no vacant seat was available at
H Government Dental College, Rohtak. It was only on September 30, 2004
VIKARAMDHILLONv. STATE 299

that because of default in payment of fee by three candidates, three A
___.....
vacancies were to be filled in at Rohtak. !Paras 24, 2511308-F-H, 309-A-BI

1.2. There is intrinsic evidence also which goes to show that probably
the petitioner was not present on September 30, 2004. Admittedly,
respondent No. 6 was granted admission on September 30, 2006. It is the
case of the petitioner from the beginning that on or about October 17, 2004, B
the petitioner came to know that admission was illegally granted to
:- respondent No. 6 though her rank was 442 and rank of petitioner was 423.
T He, therefore, submitted a representation on October 19, 2004. Had the
petitioner been present on September 30, 2004, he would have objected to
the admission of respondent No. 6. Again he would have immediately come c
to know about her admission. In that case, he would have instantly approached
'
the authorities putting forward his claim, but it was not done. In fact, a
representation was made for the first time after about 18 days stating
therein that he came to know on October 17, 2004 that admission was given
to respondent No. 6 ignoring his legitimate claim. In the circumstances,
grant of admission to respondent No. 6 on September 30, 2004 cannot be D
cancelled at this stage. (Para 261 309-D-F)
) Medical Council of India v. Madhu Singh & Ors., (2002) 7 SCC 258;
Mridul Dhar v. Union of India, 12005) 2 SCC 65 and MC. Mehta v. Union
of India, [19871 l SCC 39, referred to.
E
2. Since, it is held that on September 30, 2004, the petitioner in all
probability was not present and admission was granted to respondent No.
6 and the first complaint was made by him as late as on October 19, 2004
by stating that he had come to know about the illegality of admission in
favour of respondent No. 6 on October 17, 2004, in exercise of extraordinary F
powers under Article 32 of the Constitution, it would not be appropriate for
this Court to award compensation to the petitioner either from the authorities
or from the respondent No. 9 in his personal capacity. It is, however, open
to the petitioner to take appropriate proceedings in accordance with law, if
so advised. As and when such eventuality arises, the appropriate authority
G
will pass an appropriate order in accordance with law without being
inhibited or influenced by the observations made in this judgment.

- .....
I
!Para 40) 1315-E-G)

Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa & Ors., IJ9931 2 SCC 746; M S.
Grewal v. Deep Chand Sood, 120011 8 SCC 151; D.K. Basu v. State of West H
300 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 1 S.C.R

A Bengal, [1997] 1 SCC 416; Chairman, Railway Board v. Chandrima Das,
[2002) SCC 465; Common Cause, a Registered Society v. Union of India,
[1999) 6 SCC 593 and Common Cause, a Registered Society v. Union of
India, (1996) 6 SCC 530, referred to.

CIVIL ORIGINAL JURISDICTION: Writ Petition (Civil) No. 652 of2004.
B
Under Article 32 of the Constitution of India

E.R. Kumar, P.H. Parekh, Shakun Sharma, Ajay Jha and Rukhmini
Bobde (for Mis. P.H. Parekh and Co.) for the Petitioner.
c >
Mahabir Singh, Rakesh Dahiya, Nikhil Jain, D. Mahesh Babu,
Pradeep Dahiya, Sandeep Sharma (for T.V. George), Kavita Wadia,
Maninder Singh, Pratibha M. Singh, Gaurav Sharma, Yogendra Handoo,
Tejveer Singh Bhatia, Sumit Bhatia, Avinash Ahlawat, Rani Chhabra,
T. Srinivasa Murthy (for Sushma Suri), Aseem Mehrotra and Abhijat P.
D Medh for the Respondents.

The Judgment of the Court was delivered by r
'\'

C.K. THAKKER, J. : I. The present petition is filed by the petitioner
E for a writ of Mandamus and/or any other appropriate writ, order or direction
commanding the State of Haryana and other respondent authorities to grant
admission to the petitioner in Bachelor of Dental Surgery ('BDS' for short)
in Open Category in Government Dental College, Rohtak respondent No.
8 for the academic year 2004-05 and also to grant other reliefs which this
F Court deems fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case.

2. The case of the petitioner is that he is a citizen of India and
permanent resident ofFaridabad. He is pursuing the BDS course in the first
year in M.M. College of Dental Sciences & Research, Mullana respondent
No. 5 which is affiliated to Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.
G
3. It is the i.:ase of the petitioner that Maharshi Dayanand University,
Rohtak ('MDU' for short), respondent No. 2 herein invited applications for
"Common Entrance Examination, 2004" ('CEE' for short) for admission to
MBBS/BDS in medical/dental colleges/institutes of the State of Haryana.
H Since the petitioner was eligible and was desirous of joining medical/dental
VIKRAM DHILLON v. STATE [THAKKER, J.] 301

course, he applied for the aforesaid examin~tion in the prescribed form to A
·""""' respondent No. 2. He paid the requisite charges and supplied relevant
details. The examination was held on June 21, 2004 in which the petitioner
appeared vide Roll No. 109031. On June 28, 2004, respondent No. 2 notified
the result of CEE, 2004 on Notice Board. Though the Prospectus provided
that result of the Entrance Examination would be notified to the candidates
individually by UPC Post, the petitioner was not intimated. He, however,
B
found out from the internet that he had secured 128 marks out of 180 marks
and was ranked at-SI. No. 418 in the Open Category. The Prospectus further
provided that the date, time and place of Counselling would be intimated to
the candidates by UPC Post calling the candidates for counselling. The
petitioner was again not intimated about the date, time and place of C
counselling. Somehow, he came to know that the counselling was to be held
at Rohtak on August 9, 2004. He attended the counselling and submitted all
his certificates, marks-sheets etc. He, however, found that he had been
arbitrarily placed at rank No. 423 instead of 418. The petitioner initially opted
for MBBS course in any of the medical colleges mentioned in the Prospectus. D
Alternatively, however, he opted for BDS course in Government Dental
College, Rohtak. Since the petitioner was informed that there were no seats
available in MBBS anywhere or in BDS course in Government Dental
College, Rohtak, he was constrained to opt for BDS course in a private
Dental College, i.e. M.M. College of Dental Science & Research, Mullana.
It is the assertion of the petitioner that as per Rule 3 of the Rules of E
/ Admission, the petitioner preferred to be wait-listed for MBBS in any of the
colleges in Haryana and if no vacancy is available in MBBS course, a seat
in BDS in Government Dental College, Rohtak.

4. At the time of first counselling, the petitioner was asked to report F
for medical check-up and to pay tuition fee for admission in BDS open
category in private Dental College at Mullana on August 18, 2004. The
petitioner accordingly complied with the directions, paid the fee for medical
check-up and upon being found fit filled in the form for admission by paying
• Rs.99,000 towards one year tuition fees and Rs. 10,000 towards part-payment
G
of hostel fees of Rs.30,000 in private college at Mullana.

5. Upon seeing the result of the first counselling on the website of
PGIMS, Rohtak, the petitioner was shown to be admitted at the private
college at Serial No. 296 showing rank No. 423, while respondent No. 6 was
shown at serial No. 300 at rank No. 442 as the last candidate in the BDS open H
302 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 1 S.C.R.

A category in responclent No. 5 college. According to the petitioner, he
waited for intimation for the second counselling. which he did not receive,
but from his own sources, he cam,e to know about the second counselling
and attended it at PGIMS, Rohtak on August 28, 2004. The Counselling
Board informed the petitioner that no seat was available in MBBS/BDS as
per the choice of the petitioner. As such the petitioner had to retain his seat
B in BDS in Open Category at Mullana waitfug for the next round of counselling.
Since MBBS seats were reported to have been increased form 100 to 150 at
Medical College, Mullana, the petitioner legitimately expected to get a seat
in BDS Open Category in Government Dental College, Rohtak inasmuch as
candidates ofBDS course in Government Dental College, Rohtak were likely
c to vacate their BDS seats to get seats in MBBS course at Mullana.

6. According to the petitioner, the 'third' counselling was held on
September 29, 2004. The petitioner was informed at that time that no seat
was available in the course/institute of his choice. He, therefore, requested
to accommodate him in BDS Open Category seat that may fall vacant due
D
to non-reporting or non-payment of fee· by any candidate at Government
Dental College, Rohtak as the fee there was less than the fee at the private
Dental College, Mullana.

7. The petitioner has stated that on October 17, 2004, he came to know
E that though Anusha Singh-respondent No. 6 had secured rank No. 442, she
had been granted admission on provisional basis in BDS course in
Government Dental College, Rohtak and the petitioner who ranked at SI. No.
423 was denied admission. The petitioner, in the circumstances, made
representation to the competent authority of PGIMS, Rohtak complaining
F about the injustice being done to him. The petitioner was neither granted
admission nor did he receive any·reply which constrained him to approach
this Court by filing a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution on
November 16, 2004.

8. The petitioner has stated that he has directly approached this Court
G by invoking Article 32 of the Constitution since his fundamental right
guaranteed under Article 14 had b~en violated. It is further stated that had
he gone to a High Court, even if lie had succeeded, the authorities would
have approached this Court which would have further delayed the admission
and the academic year would have been over.
H
VIKRAM DHILLON v. STATE [THAKKER, J.] 303

9. The matter was placed for admission-hearing and notice was issued A
on December 6, 2004. An affidavit-in-reply was filed by Dr. (Major General)
Virendra Singh, Director of Pt. B.D. Shanna Postgraduate Institute of Medical
Sciences, Rohtak. The said affidavit was filed on behalf of respondent nos.
I, 2 and 8, i.e. State of Haryana, M.D. University & Government Dental
College, Rohtak and the Director. On January 25, 2005, respondent No.5,
Dental College, Mullana also filed counter-affidavit through its Chairman.
B
Likewise, affidavit-in-reply was filed by respondent No.6, Anusha Singh on
February 2 I, 2005 who was granted admission though she had secured rank
No. 442 as against rank No. 423 secured by the petitioner. The petitioner
filed rejoinder to the affidavit of respondent No. 2 on July I 8, 2005. On July
22, 2005, this Court passed an order to list the petition for final disposal on c
a non-miscellaneous day after three weeks. The order dated November 16,
2005 shows that back door admission sacrificing merit was granted to
1 Anusha Singh (respondent No.6) by the Director, Pt. B.D. Sharma,
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak. The Court observed:

D
"Learned counsel appearing for respondent Nos. 1, 2 and 8 does
not seriously dispute the allegation about the back door admission
having been granted to respondent No. 6, as alleged by the
petitioner. Learned counsel further states that, in fact, the said
Director had granted other similar admissions as well and some
enquiries are pending against him. This is also the stand of the E
petitioner."

IO. The Court also observed that admission for academic year 2004
could not be granted to the petitioner at that stage. It was, however, made
clear that the question of cancellation of admission of respondent No. 6 p
would be examined at the time of final hearing of the writ petition.

I l. On February I 6, 2006, interlocutory application seeking impleadment
of Dr. (Maj Gen.) Virendra Singh, Ex-Director of Medical College, Rohtak as
party-respondent in his individual capacity in view of allegations of ma/a
fide levelled against him was granted. G

12. It was submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the
petitioner deserved to be adequately compensated for having been denied
admission though he was entitled to. The newly added respondent was
asked to file affidavit in support of the claim of compensation made by the H
304 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) I S.C.R.

A petitioner. No such affidavit was, however, filed within the stipulated period
and time was sought which was granted on August 10, 2006 by the Court
on payment of a sum of Rs.5000 to the petitioner. The affidavit was filed
by respondent No. 9 on August 23, 2006 to which a rejoinder was filed by
the petitioner on September 7, 2006.

B 13. We have heard the learned counsel for the parties.

14. The learned counsel for the petitioner vehemently contended that +

the impugned action taken by the respondent-authorities was totally illegal,
unlawful and unconstitutional. Though the petitioner had obtained 128
C marks out of 180 marks and he was ranked at SI. No. 418, he was arbitrarily
placed at rank No. 423 which was improper. Even if it is assumed that the
said action could not be said to be illegal and he would have continued at
rank No. 423, there was no earthly reason for respondent authorities and
particularly respondent No. 9 to grant admission on the last day, i.e.
September 30, 2004 to respondent No. 6 who was admittedly placed below
D
at rank No. 442. According to the petitioner, the action of respondent No.
9 was clearly malicious and ma/a fide and back door entry was given to I ,_
, I
respondent No. 6 on extraneous considerations. From the beginning the
modus operandi of respondent No. 9 was apparent inasmuch as petitioner
was never informed about the counselling which were to take place. It was
E only through his own sources that the petitioner came to know about the
first, second and 'third' counselling and attended them. He also submitted
that he had made it abundantly clear from the beginning that he wanted to
get admission in MBBS course in any Government college/institute and if
he is not in a position to be accommodated in MBBS course, his first choice
p would be Government Dental College, Rohtak. Respondent No. 9 was,
therefore, aware of this fact and yet he granted illegal admission to respondent
No. 6. The said action was totally illegal, arbitrary and malicious. The
petitioner was, therefore, entitled to get admission in Government Medical
College, Rohtak, when respondent No. 6 Anusha Singh was admitted. Since
he was denied admission and his right was ignored, he is entitled to the
G difference in payment of fee at Mullana and Rohtak and also to adequate
compensation. So far as the amount of compensation is concerned, the
petitioner has filed additional affidavit on November 25, 2005 wherein the
break-ups have been given in differential amount in tuition fee, hostel
charges, etc. He has claimed Rs. 5 lacs towards loss of better exposure in
H terms of education and practical training in Government Dental College and
VIKRAM DHILLONv. STATE[THAKKER,J.] 305

better job prospects. Further amount of Rs. 5 lacs has been claimed towards A
acute mental and physical agony, frustration and feeling of injus.tice. Cost
of Rs. 50,000 is also claimed. According to the petitioner, all these amounts
are required to be paid at the interest of I 0% from August 18, 2004, the initial
date of payment of tuition fee and hostel charges by the petitioner to
respondent No.8.
B
15. So far as respondent Nos. I, 2 and 8 are concerned, initially an.
t
affidavit was filed on January 12, 2005 by Dr. (Major General) Virendra Singh,
Director of Pt. B.D. Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences,
Rohtak in the capacity of Director of the Institute. In that affidavit, the
deponent stated that the petitioner had secured 128 marks and his rank was c
418, but after breaking the tie of candidates who had secured 128 marks, his
rank was changed from 418 to 423 which was proper and in accordance with
rules. It was also stated that at the first counselling on August 9, 2004, the
petitioner could not get admission in BOS course in Government Dental
College, Rohtak and was admitted to M.M. Dental College, Mullana under
General Category as per his merit and option. The second and 'third'
D
counselling were held on August 28, and September 29, 2004 respectively
for filling up the vacant seats in different medical/dental colleges. The
petitioner attended second and 'third' counselling, but 'he neither opted for
any change nor got himself wait-listed for any medical/dental college'. It
was then stated that on September 30, 2004, a letter was received from the E
Principal, Government Dental College, Rohtak regarding vacancy of three
seats in Government Dental College, Rohtak due to non-deposit of fees by
three selected students. September 30 was the last date for admission for
the Academic Session 2004 for all Dental Colleges as held by this Court in
Medical Council ofIndia v. Madhu Singh & Ors., (2002] 7 SCC 258. It was,
F
therefore, not possible to conduct counselling at the last moment and the
only course available to the authorities was to fill three seats which remained
·I vacant by admitting "the next wait-listed candidates". The three candidates
including Anusha Singh, respondent No. 6 were, therefore, admitted on that
day.
G
16. The deponent denied the allegations made by the petitioner against
the authorities. Drawing distiiiction between the case of respondent No. 6
and the petitioner, the Director stated that though the petitioner appeared
at the 'third' counselling, he had not opted for any change and secondly
there was no vacancy in the Government Dental College, Rohtak on that H
306 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] l S.C.R.

A day. Regarding representation said to have been made by the petitioner, the
deponent stated on oath that no representation from the petitioner was
-
received by his office.

17. Respondent No. 5 in his affidavit stated that admission was granted
to the petitioner and other students on the basis of Entrance Test. In
B rejoinder-affidavit to counter-affidavit of respondent No. 2 and 5, the
petitioner reiterated what he had stated in the petition. He made grievance
that respondent No. 2 had not placed before the Court the relevant material
as to how the rank of the petitioner was changed from 418 to 423. He also
repeated that he got himself wait-listed and respondent No. 2 had wrongly
C stated that though the petitioner attended second and 'third' counselling,
he neither opted for any change nor got himself wait-listed for any other
medical/dental college.

18. The petitioner thereafter stated that if the petitioner had not opted
for any change nor had opted himself to be wait listed for any other medical/
D
dental college, there was no reason for him to attend the second and 'third'
counselling. From the respondent No. 2's admission that the petitioner had
attended the second and 'third' counselling, it is clear that the petitioner
wanted to change his college and had opted to be wait listed.

E 19. It was also stated that respondent No. 2 had not denied that the
petitioner at the time of first counselling itself had intimated his preference
for MBBS course in any of the Medical Colleges or BDS in Government
Dental College, Rohtak and when he was informed that there was no seat
avail~ble, he opted for BDS in MM College of Dental Science & Research,
F Mullana. He further said that he was allowed to attend all the counselling .,,__
which also proved that the petitioner stood wait-listed and wanted to take
admission in Government Dental College, Rohtak after the first counselling
in which he got admission at Mullana. Regarding representation made by
him to respondent No. 2, the Petitioner stated in the rejoinder-affidavit that
the said representation was sent on October 19, 2004 by 'speed post' and
G the same was delivered to respondent No. 2. Alongwith the affidavit in
rejoinder, he had produced a copy of the original receipt dated October 19,
2004 issued by the Post Office in the nature of Confirmation Report of
service upon the authority.

H 20. As already stated earlier, the main grievance of the petitioner was
r
VIKRAM DHILLON v. STATE [THAKKER, J.] 307

that it was the Director who had granted illegal admission by allowing back A
door entry to respondent No. 6 and the said action was illegal and contrary
to law. In the circumstances, the petitioner filed Interim Application No. 4
of2005 praying for impleadment of Dr. (Major General) Virendra Singh, Ex-
Director of Pt. B.D. Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences,
Rohtak which was granted and notice was issued to him directing him to file
affidavit in reply. Respondent No. 9, pursuant to the above order filed
B
· additional affidavit at a belated stage on August 23, 2006 denying the
allegations of mala fide levelled against him. In the said affidavit, he had
stated that since he had left the institute, he 'was not aware as to what was
happening in the matter'. He also stated that "the deponent alone has no
role to play in the admission of the students in the college". He admitted C
aborit counselling which took place on August 9, August 28 and September
29, 2004. He also admitted that the last date for filling up of all the seats
was September 30 and the admissions were completed. According to him,
though the petitioner was at rank No. 418, he was placed at SI. No. 423
considering the breaking up of tie. He then stated that the petitioner
D
accepted the seat at BDS, Mullana in the first counselling, but did not
request for any wait-listing in any particular college or at all. On September
.;r 29, 2004, the Counselling Committee after filling up all the available seats in
all colleges, had ruled that all admissions should be completed by September
30, 2004. He then stated that in any case, the petitioner had appeared in
the first counselling and got his college BDS, Maullana and did not ask for -E
any waitlisting. He appeared in second counselling but did not seek change
of the seat/college but asked for waitlisting. He appeared in the 'third'
counselling also and did not seek any change and did not waitlist. There
are many who took seats and wanted to waitlist and then did not change
~e~ F

21. According to the deponent, around 5.00 p.m. on September 30,
2004, a report was received from the Principal, Government Dental College,
Rohtak that three candidates had not taken admission and thus three seats
were available. Then immediately the names of the candidates as per the
merit list who were in the 'waitlist' were called and that is how Anusha G
Singh, respondent No. 6 was granted admission. Other persons were not
present. Since, the petitioner was not present and respondent No. 6 was
present who was a wait-listed candidate, she was admitted. He also stated
that the petitioner did not opt for change and got himself wait-listed clearly
., indicated that he was satisfied with the seat allotted to him. Even if he had H
308 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] I S.C.R.

A wait-listed himself, he was required to remain present at the time of closing
of the admission to take a chance that if some seats remained vacant and
if candidates above him were not available, he could be admitted.

22. The Dental Council of India stated that the case of the petitioner
should be decided by the authorities in accordance with law. But it was
B submitted that no admission in the BOS Course for the academic year 2004-
05 after September 30, 2004 could be granted.

23. The learned counsel for the authorities submitted that the impugned
action could not be said to be contrary to law. So far as respondent No.
c 9 is concerned, the counsel appearing for him submitted that the said
respondent acted in accordance with Admission Rules as also the law laid
down by this Court. Since the petitioner neither 'waitlisted' himself nor was
present on September 30, 2004, admission was granted to respondent No.
6. The petitioner cannot make grievance against such an act. Counsel for
Medical Council of India submitted that the statutory time schedule for
D
commencement of course and admission to medical/dental courses as laid
down by this Court in Mridul Dhar v. Union of India, [2005] 2 SCC 65 is
required to be complied with and failure to adherence strictly to the said time
schedule has created all these problems. He, therefore, submitted that this
Court may again direct the authorities to adhere to the time-schedule in
E Mridul Dhar.

24. Having heard the learned counsel for the parties, we are of the view
that in the light of what has been asserted by the petitioner and denied by
respondent No. 9, and in view of order dated November 16, 2005, no
admission could be granted to the petitioner in the Government Dental
F
College, Rohtak. There is word against word so far as 'wait-listing' of the
petitioner is concerned. According to the petitioner, he got himself wait-
listed at the first counselling on August 9, 2004 when he was admitted to
Dental College at Mullana. Primafacie, he is right in so submitting keeping
in view his subsequent conduct. If he was satisfied with the admission in
G Dental College, Mullana and was not interested in getting himself admitted
to Government Dental College, Rohtak or in changing the institute/college,
it was not necessary for him to remain present at the second and 'third'
counselling. It was because of the fact that though he was admitted to
Private Dental College at Mullana, he was seeking admission in Government
H Dental College, Rohtak that he attended second and 'third' counselling.
VIKRAM DHILLON v. STATE [THAKKER, J.] 309

25. So far as the factum of attendance at second and 'third' counselling A
is concerned, the fact has not been denied. On the contrary, it is admitted
by respondent No. 9 in his affidavit. But. the petitioner has not expressly
and unequivocally stated that he was present on September 30, 2004 when
respondent No. 6 Anusha ·Singh was granted admission. According to
respondent No. 9, the petitioner was not present. Up to September 29, 2004,
no vacant seat was available at Government Dental College, Rohtak. It was B
only on September 30, 2004 that because of default in payment of fee by
three candidates, three vacancies were to be filled in at Rohtak. According
t
to respondent No. 9, the seats were filled by the candidates who were
present on that day and admission was granted to those students who were
eligible. Respondent No. 6, though she was at SI. No. 442, got admission C
as she was present.

26. In our opinion, there is intrinsic evidence also which goes to show
that probably the petitioner was not present on September 30, 2004.
Admittedly, respondent No. 6 Anusha Singh was granted admission on D
September 30, 2006. It is the case of the petitioner from the beginning that
on or about October 17, 2004, the petitioner came to know that admission
was illegally granted to respondent No. 6 though her rank was 442 and rank
of petitioner was 423. He, therefore, submitted a representation on October
19, 2004. Had the petitioner been present on September 30, 2004, he would
have objected to the admission of respondent No. 6. Again he would have E
immediately come to know about her admission. In that case, he would have
instantly approached the authorities putting forward his claim, but it was not
done. In fact, a representation was made for the first time after about 18
days stating therein that he came to know on October 17, 2004 that
admission was given to respondent No. 6 ignoring his legitimate claim. In p
the circumstances, in our opinion, grant of admission to respondent No. 6
on September 30, 2004 cannot be cancelled at this stage.

27. It was then contended by the petitioner that it is clearly established
from the facts on record that injustice has been done to him. Initially, the
petitioner was at rank No. 418 which was arbitrarily and without there being G
rational basis placed at 423. Even though the petitioner had wait-listed
himself at first counselling on August 9, 2004, and precisely for that reason,
he attended the second and 'third' counselling, overlooking his legitimate
claim and without affording an opportunity to get admission, respondent
No. 6 who was at rank No. 442 had been admitted. This is, therefore, H
310 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007] I S.C.R.

A eminently a fit case, submitted the learned counsel, to direct payment of
compensation over and above the difference in payment of tuition fee and
hostel fee for Private Dental College as against Government Dental College.

28. In this connection, the learned counsel submitted that it is settled
law that a remedy provided by Article 32 (as also by Article 226) of the
B Constitution is a 'public law' remedy. The lis in this case cannot be said to
be a private dispute between two parties. Respondent No. 9 was acting as
a 'public authority' and since he had acted arbitrarily, maliciously and
deprived the petitioner of his legitimate and rightful claim and extended un-
deserved benefit to respondent No. 6, an order of payment of compensation
C would serve the ends of justice.

29. The learned counsel for the petitioner in this connection, invited
our attention to several cases. Particular reference was made to a leading
case in MC Mehta v. Union of India, [1987] I SCC 395. In MC.Mehta, a
writ petition ~as filed in this Court under Article 32 of the Constitution
D
directing Shriram, a Public Limited Company to pay compensation to victims
of escape of oleum gas. It was contended on behalf of the Company that
the petition was not maintainable and the Company could not be held liable
to pay compensation.

E 30. Negativing the contention and holding the Company liable to pay
compensation, this Court, speaking through Bhagwati C.J. stated:

Law has to grow in order to satisfy the needs of the fast
changing society and keep abreast with the economic developments
F taking place in the country. As new situations arise the law to be
developed in order to meet the challenge of such new situations.
Law cannot afford to remain static. We have to evolve new
principles and lay down new norms which would adequately deal
with the new problems which arise in a highly industralised economy.
We cannot allow our judicial thinking to be constricted by reference
G to the law as it prevails in England or for the matter of that in any
other foreign country. We no longer need the crutches of a foreign
legal order. We are certainly prepared to receive light from
whatever source it comes but we have to build our own
jurisprudence and we cannot countenance an argument that merely
H because the law in England does not recognise the rule of strict and
f
VIKRAM DHILLON v. STATE [THAKKER, J.] 311

absolute liability in cases of hazardous or inherently dangerous A
activities or the rule laid down in Rylands v. Fletcher as developed
in England recognises certain limitations and exceptions, we in
India must hold back our hands and not venture to evolve a new
principle of liability since English courts have not done so. We
have to develop our own law and if we find that it is necessary to
construct a new principle of liability to deal with an unusual
B
situation which has arisen and which is likely to arise in future on
account of hazardous or inherently dangerous industries which are
t concomitant to an industrial economy, there is no reason why we
should hesitate to evolve such principle of liability merely because
it has not been so done in England. We are of the view that an C
enterprise which is engaged in a hazardous or inherently dangerous
industry which poses a potential threat to the health and safety of
the persons working the factory and residing in the surrounding
areas owes an absolute and non-delegable duty to the community
to ensure that no harm results to anyone on account of hazardous D
or inherently dangerous nature of the activity which it has
undertaken.

31. Emphasising underlying object of Article 32, the Court said;

E
"If the Court were powerless to is$Ut? any direction, order or
writ in cases where a fundamental :right has already been violated,
Article 32 would be robbed of all its efficacy, because then the
situation would be that if a fundamental right is threatened to be
violated, the court can injunct such violation but if the violator is F
quick enough to take action infringing the fundamental right, he
-\-
would escape from the net of Article 32. That would, to a large
extent, emasculate the fundamental right guaranteed under Article
32 and render it impotent and futile. We must, therefore, hold that
Article 32 is not powerless to assist a person when he finds that
his fundamental right has been violated. He can in that event seek G
remedial assistance under A.rticle 32. The power of the court to
grant such remedial relief may include the power to award
compensation in appropriate cases.

32. Reference_was also made to another leading decision of this Court H
312 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007] 1 S.C.R.

A in Nilabati Behera v. State ofOrissa & Ors.,. (1993] 2 sec 746. rn that case,
a young man of 22 years was taken to police custody for investigation of
an offence. He was handcuffed, tied and severely beaten. On the next day,
his dead body was found lying on railway track. Mother of the deceased
addressed a letter to this Court alleging., custodial death of his son and
claimed compensation on the ground of violation of right to life guaranteed
B under Article 21 of the Constitution. The letter was treated as writ petition
and compensation was awarded.

~-

33. Referring to earlier decisions, Verma J. (as His Lordship then was)
spelt out the principle on which the liability of State arises in such cases.
C It was held that award of compensation in a proceeding under Article 32 or
226 of the Constitution is a remedy available in "public law" based on strict
liability for contravention of fundamental rights to which the principle of
sovereign immunity does not apply. Agreeing with judgments in earlier
cases, His Lordship stated;

D We respectfully concur with the view that. the court is not
helpless and the wide powers given to this Court by Article 32,
which itself is a fundamental right, imposes a constitutional
obligation on this Court to forge such new tools, which may be
necessary for doing complete justice and enforcing the fundamental
E rights guaranteed in the Constitution, which enable the award of
monetary compensation in appropriate cases, where that is the only
mode of redress available. The power available to this Court under
Article 142 is also an enabling provision in this behalf The
contrary view would not merely render the court powerless and the
F constitutional guarantee a mirage but may, in certain situations,
be an incentive to extinguish life, if for the extreme contravention
the court is powerless to grant any relief against the State, except

G
by punishment of the wrongdoer for the resulting offence, and
recovery of damages under private law, by the ordinary process.
It the guarantee that deprivation of life and personal liberty
cannot be made except in accordance with law, is to be real, the
..
enforcement of the right in case of every contravention must also
be possible in the constitutional scheme, the mode of redress being
that which is appropriate in the facts of each case. This remedy
in public law has to be more readily available when invoked by the
H have not, who are not possessed of the wherewithal for enforcement
VIKRAM DHILLON v. STATE [THAKKER, J.] 313

of their rights in private law, even though its exercise is to be A
tempered by judicial restraint to avoid circumvention of private law
remedies, where more appropriate.

34. Anand, J. (as His Lordship then was) agreed with the observations
of Verma J. and stated;
B
Adverting to the grant of relief to the heirs of a victim of
custodial death for-the infraction or invasion ofhis rights guaranteed
under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, it is not always
enough to relegate him to .the ordinary remedy of a civil suit to
claim damages for the tortuous act of the State as that remedy in C
private law indeed is available to the aggrieved party. The citizen
complaining of the infringement of the ind)lfeasible right under
Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be told that for the established
violation of the fundamental right to fife, he cannot get any relief
under the public law by the courts exercising writ jurisdiction. The D
primary source of the public law proceedings stems from the
prerogative writs and the courts have, therefore, to evolve 'new
tools' to give relief in public law by molding it according to the
situation with a view to preserve and protect the Rule of Law.
While concluding his first Hamlyn Lecture in 1949 under the title
'Freedom under the Law' Lord Denning in his own style warned: E

"No one can suppose that the executive will never be
guilty of the sins that are common to all of us. You may be
sure that they will sometimes do things which they ought not
to do: and will not do things that they ought to do. But if and F
when wrongs are thereby suffered by any of us what is the
remedy? Our procedure for securing· our personal freedom is
efficient, our procedure for preventing the abuse of power is
not. Just as the pick and shovel is no longer suitable for the
winning of coal, so also the procedure of mandamus, certiorari,
and actions on the case are not suitable for the winning of G
freedom in the new age. They must be replaced by new and
up to date machinery, by declarations, injunctions and actions
for negligence ..... This is not the task for Parliament... .. the
courts must do this. Of all the great tasks that lie ahead this
is the greatest. Properly exercised the new powers of the H
314 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] l S.C.R.

A executive lead to the welfare state; but abused they lead to
a totalitarian state. None such must ever be allowed in this
Country."

3 5. In M. S. Grewal v. Deep Chand Sood, [2001] 8 SCC I 51, Dalhousie
public school organized a picnic of young students at the bank of River
B Beas. Due to negligence of teachers, 14 students lost their lives. Teachers
were convicted for an offence under Section 304-A IPC. In a petition under
Article 226 of the Constitution, the High Court awarded compensation of Rs.
5 lakhs to each of the parents with interest @ 12% p.a. When the matter +-

came up before this Court at the instance of the School Authorities,
C dismissing the appeal, the Court quoted with approval the following
observations from D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal, [ 1997] I SCC 416;

'The courts have the obligation to satisfy the social aspirations
of the citizens because the courts and the law are for the people
and expected to respond to their aspirations. A court of law cannot
D
close its consciousness and aliveness to stark realities. Mere
punishment of the offender cannot give much solace to the family
of the victim civil action for damages is a long drawn and a
cumbersome judicial process. Monetary compensation for redressal
by the court finding the infringement ofthe,indefeasible right to life
E of the citizen is, therefore, useful and at time perhaps the only
effective remedy to apply balm to the wounds of the family
members of the deceased victim, who may have been the breadwinner
of the family.

p 36. In Chairman, Railway Board v. Chandrima Das, [2002] SCC 465,
a poor lady was taken by railway employee to a railway guest house (Yatri
Niwas) and was raped. Holding the Union of India vicariously liable, this
Court held that for an act of Railway Authorities, a direction can be issued
to the authorities to pay compensation to the victim and, accordingly,
compensation was awarded.
G
37. It was also submitted by counsel that in appropriate cases of mis-
finance in public office, a direction can also be issued to erring officer(s) to
pay such amount of compensation/damages personally or an order can be
passed directing the authorities to recover from such officer(s) who is (are)
H found responsible.
VIKRAM DHILLON v. STATE [THAKKER, J.] 315

38. In Common Cause, a Registered Society v. Union of India, (1996] A
6 SCC 530, the Petroleum Minister made allotment of petrol pumps arbitrarily
in favour of his relatives, friends and 'kiths and kins'. When the matter came
up before this Court, not only the allotment was cancelled, but the Court
directed the Minister to pay Rs. 50 Iakhs as exemplary damages to public
exchequer and also Rs. 50,000 as costs. No doubt a Review Petition was
filed against the above decision in Common Cause, a Registered Society v.
B
Union of India, [1999] 6 SCC 593, and the order passed earlier was recalled
and direction for payment of Rs.50 lakhs was set aside.

39. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the Court in
a Review Petition was not right in setting aside the direction for payment C
of Rs. 50 lakhs personally from the Minister concerned, particularly when the

-
Court had recorded a finding earlier that act was illegal, improper and
unconstitutional act on the part of the Minister concerned. It was also
submitted that wrong test was applied by the Court in a Review by adopting
analogy of criminal trial and referring to provisions of Section 405 and 409 D
of the Penal Code and by observing that in case of criminal breach of trust,
"r entrustment of property was an essential ingredient, which was not proved.

40. Though we find considerable force in the submission of the learned
counsel, in the facts and circumstances of the present case, we are not
inclined to enter into larger question in view of the fact that it is not E
necessary to do so. Since, we are of the view and have held that on
September 30, 2004, the petitioner in all probability was not present and
admission was granted to respondent No. 6 Anusha Singh and the first
complaint was made by him as late as on October 19, 2004 by stating that
he had come to know about the illegality of admission in favour of F
respondent No. 6 on October 17, 2004, in exercise of extraordinary powers
under Article 32 of the Constitution, it would not be appropriate for this
Court to award compensation to the petitioner either from the authorities or
from the respondent No. 9 in his personal capacity. It is, however, open to
the petitioner to take appropriate proceedings in accordance with law, if so
advised. As and when such eventuality arises, the appropriate authority will G
pass an appropriate order in accordance with law without being inhibited or
influenced by the observations made by us in this judgment.

41. Before closing the matter, we may observe one thing more. As
already noted earlier, as early as on November 16, 2005, when the matter was H
316 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) I s.c;:.R.

A heard by this Court, a grievance was made by the petitioner that though he
was higher in rank, admission was illegally given to respondent No. 6 who
was lower in rank. It was a back door admission, sacrificing merit and was
granted by Dr. (Major General) Virendra Singh, Director of Pt. B.D. Shanna
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak. The learned counsel
appearing for respondent Nos. I, 2 and 8 did not 'seriously dispute the
B allegation about the back door admission having been granted to respondent
No. 6 as alleged by the petitioner'. The Court further observed; "Learned
counsel further states that, in fact, the said Director had granted other similar
admissions as well and some enquiries are pending against him."

C 42. In the additional affidavit dated November 25, 2005, in para 4, it was
stated by the petitioner that as a result of the grave allegation of misuse of
public office by Dr. (Maj Gen.) Virendra Singh, he has been 'removed' from
the post of Director of Pt. B.D. Shanna Postgraduate Institute of Medical
Sciences, Rohtak and enquiry is pending against him. After Dr. (Maj Gen.)·
Virendra Singh was arrayed as respondent No. 9 and had filed affidavit after
D
the above additional affidavit filed by the petitioner, it was only stated that
para No. 4 was absolutely false, wrong and was denied. It is also clear that
he was not holding the post of Director when he filed the said affidavit by
admitting that he had left the office. It was also the case of the State as
reflected in the order dated November 16, 2005 passed by this Court that
E illegal admission was granted by respondent No. 9. In the circumstances,
it would have been appropriate if the State had filed an affidavit placing
necessary facts before this Court. It is the duty ofJhe State Government
to see not only that the officers act in consonance with law, but also to
ensure that no injustice has been done to meritorious students. Unfortunately
F however, the State Government has not properly assisted the Court by
placing the relevant facts as are expected to be placed by a public authority.
But in the light of what has been stated earlier, since we are not in a position
to grant relief to the petitioner, we leave the matter there.

43. For the foregoing reasons, the petitioner is not entitled to relief from
G this Court under Article 32 of the Constitution. The petition deserves to be
dismissed and is accordingly dismissed, however without any order as to
.,.; costs .

D.G. Writ Petition dismissed.