Pranava K N v. the Karnataka State Law University
Case brief
What is this about?
Batch of EDN-RES writ petitions (W.P. Nos. 23190, 23985 and 24257 of 2025) by law students against Karnataka State Law University circular dated 02.07.2025 enhancing registration fees for 5-year and 3-year law courses. Key grounds: levy and collection of fees under Section 5 KSLU Act, 2009 requires backing by Statutes, Regulations or Ordinances; Sections 28, 30 (clause xxiii), 33 and 34(2)(ii) of the KSLU Act discussed in submissions; Article 265 Constitution and quid pro quo argued by counsel but not the basis of decision. Holding: no statute/regulation/ordinance enacted for fee levy, circular invalid; quashed. Relief: refund of excess fee to all students including non-parties, within two months. Fee rates referenced: Rs.3,700/- (earlier) and Rs. 8,580/- (enhanced). No precedents cited by name in the judgment.
What did the court decide?
Writ petitions allowed; impugned Circular dated 02.07.2025 (No. KSLU/REG/ACAD/ADMN-FEE/2025-26/720) quashed and set aside; excess fee collected over the immediately previous circular to be refunded to all students, whether or not parties, as expeditiously as possible and within two months; pending interlocutory applications disposed of.