Dr Raksha Jayaram Vs State of Karnataka — Writ and Judicial Review | Karnataka HC (2026)

Dr Raksha Jayaram Vs State of Karnataka — Writ and Judicial Review | Karnataka HC (2026)

What the court decided

AI extract

Outcome

The last-chance practical classes and practical examinations in M.Sc. Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, as proposed by respondent No.2-University, are to be extended to the petitioner on the same terms as made available to other students, subject to the decision taken by respondent No.2-University.

Issue for consideration

Whether respondent No.2 (Karnataka State Open University) should be directed to conduct the petitioner's practical examination for the M.Sc. Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics course and conclude her result with the same batch, in a fair and transparent conduct of exam at the earliest. +1 more

Ratio / Principle

The Court took into consideration that respondent No.2-University has proposed to conduct the practical classes and practical examination as a last chance for such of the students like the petitioner herein.

Key takeaways

If such an opportunity (last-chance practical classes and practical examinations) is made available to the other students, the same shall be extended to the petitioner, subject to the decision that may be taken by respondent No.2-University.ratio¶37

Detailed headnote1 paragraphs

Writ Petition No. 4893 of 2026 (EDN-RES) [NC: 2026:KHC:12581], High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru (single bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice E.S. Indiresh; order dated 2 March 2026). Dr. Raksha Jayaram, a student of M.Sc. Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at respondent No.2 (Karnataka State Open University), sought a direction under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India requiring the University to conduct her practical examination and conclude her result with the same batch in a fair and transparent manner. Taking note of paragraph-17 of the University's statement of objections, in which the University proposed to conduct practical classes and practical examinations as a last chance for students absent from them, the Court held that any such opportunity made available to other students shall likewise be extended to the petitioner, subject to the University's decision. In view of this, the writ petition was disposed of. Respondents 3 and 4 stood deleted by court order dated 16.02.2026.

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NC: 2026:KHC:12581 WP No. 4893 of 2026

HC-KAR

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU

DATED THIS THE 2^ND DAY OF MARCH, 2026

BEFORE

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE E.S.INDIRESH WRIT PETITION NO. 4893 OF 2026 (EDN-RES)

BETWEEN:

DR. RAKSHA JAYARAM AGED 42 YEARS, W/O. KARTHIK VARYUR KITT, RESIDING AT N 784, 9^TH MAIN, KORMANGALA, 3^RD BLOCK, BENGALURU - 560 034.

…PETITIONER

(BY SRI. RASHMI R., ADVOCATE)

AND:

Digitally signed by CHAYA S A Location: HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA

STATE OF KARNATAKA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION, VIDHANA SOUDHA, BENGALURU - 560 001. REP. BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY

THE KARNATAKA STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY THROUGH ITS VICE-CHANCELLOR, MAIN CAMPUS ADDRESS: KARNATAKA STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY, MUKHTAGANGOTRI, MYSORE - 570 006.

DR. M.S. HEMALATA, CHAIRPERSON, FOOD SCIENCE DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY, MUKHTAGANGOTRI, MYSORE - 570 006.

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NC: 2026:KHC:12581 WP No. 4893 of 2026

HC-KAR

DR. GOWTHAM FACULTY MEMBER, FOOD SCIENCE DEPARTMENT, KARNATAKA STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY, MUKHTAGANGOTRI, MYSORE - 570 006.

…RESPONDENTS

(BY SRI. YOGESH D. NAIK, AGA FOR R1; SRI. T.P. RAJENDRA KUMAR SUNGAY, ADVOCATE FOR R2; R3 & R4 - DELETED AS PER COURT ORDER DATED 16.02.2026)

THIS WP IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DIRECT RESPNDENT NO.2 TO CONDUCT PRACTICAL EXAM OF PETITIONER AND CONCLUDE THE RESULT WITH THE SAME BATCH IN A FAIR AND TRANSPARENT CONDUCT OF EXAM AT THE EARLIEST.

THIS PETITION COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING IN 'B' GROUP, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER:

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE E.S.INDIRESH

ORAL ORDER

This petition is filed by the petitioner seeking

direction to conduct practical exam for M.Sc. - Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics course conducted by respondent

No.2-University.

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NC: 2026:KHC:12581 WP No. 4893 of 2026

HC-KAR

Having taken note of the submission made by

the learned counsels appearing for the parties, particularly considering the averments made at paragraph-17 of the statement of objection filed by the respondent No.2 University which reads as under:

"17) However, in the best interest of students who were absent from the above practical classes and practical examinations this Respondent University is proposing to conduct the practical classes and practical examinations as a last chance, and it is open for the petitioner to utilize the said opportunity when the university notifies the said practical classes / examinations in M.Sc., Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics."

Taking into consideration as the respondent No.2-University has proposed to conduct the practical classes and practical examination as a last chance for such of the students like the petitioner herein, this Court is of

the view that if such an opportunity is made available to the other students, the same shall be extended to the petitioner, subject to the decision that may be taken by respondent No.2-University.

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NC: 2026:KHC:12581 WP No. 4893 of 2026

HC-KAR

In view of the above, the Writ Petition is

accordingly disposed of.

SD/(E.S.INDIRESH) JUDGE

KLV

List No.: 1 Sl No.: 54