qualified Entrance Test, it was provided that application must reach the Principal, Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra by 5:00 p.m. on July 9, 1994. Petitioner sent his application from by registered post acknowledgment due. When he did not get the acknowledgment receipt, he visited the office of the college on July 12, 1994. He came to know that his application form did not reach the College. On the same day, he filed another application. Later, the original application form reached the Authorities on July 14, 1994. Petitioner requested the authorities to consider his claim for admission as he had sent the application form in time. That request was not accepted. Action of the Authorities in excluding the petitioner from consideration was in issue before the Division Bench. While dealing with the issue, the Bench observed, “it is true that submission of applications or consideration thereof cannot be an endless process. A line has to be drawn somewhere. Only then timely finalization of admissions and starting of academic of work is possible. Otherwise, process of admission can get delayed and affect the academic work. However, it cannot be laid down as a rule that whenever the application is received late, the candidate is liable to be excluded from consideration. Such a course of action may lead to avoidable injustice, arbitrariness and unfair results.” From the above discussion itself, it is clear that submission of applications or consideration thereof cannot be an endless process. Should not there be a cut off date for receipt of the applications ? According to us, the cut off date fixed should be imperative and certain. It cannot be varied according to the whims and fancies of the Authorities. If it is made variable, we are clear in our minds that it will lead to injustice, arbitrariness and unfair results. Applications for admission can be sent by the post by courier or delivered by hand. The date with which we are concerned is the date of receipt of the application by the Authorities. The date on
