Indu Prakash Singh vs Superintendent, Dr. Tara Chand Hostel, University of Allahabad and Others

M. Katju, J.—Heard learned Counsel for the Petitioner and Sri Ashok Bhushan representing the Allahabad University.

This writ petition has been filed for a mandamus directing the Respondents not to evict the Petitioner from his room in Dr. Tara Chand Hostel of Allahabad University. In my opinion, the Petitioner has no right to remain in the said room because he is neither owner of the hostel nor tenant of the hostel, and at most he could claim to be a licensee. It is settled law that a licensee has no right, and the licence can be determined at any time. Thus, the writ petition fails and is dismissed.

It has been brought to my notice that a large number of persons who are staying in the various hostels of Allahabad University are not authorised occupants. In my opinion, nobody has a right to stay in these hostels unless he has been authorised by the Superintendant of the hostel concerned. Because of unauthorised occupants in the hostels of Allahabad University many genuine applicants who want rooms in the hostels are unable to get a room and thus have to suffer. Moreover, a lot of anti-social elements are also said to be staying in these hostels and they deserve to be evicted forthwith.

Allahabad University at one time was a glorious institution and was known as the Oxford of the East, but unfortunately in recent years its prestige has totally sunk due to various reasons which need not to be mentioned here. The time has now come when the prestige of the Allahabad University has to be restored, so that it recovers its old glory. Strong steps have to be taken in this connection otherwise that would not be possible.

In the circumstances, I direct the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Allahabad University to remove the unauthorised occupants from the hostels concerned within three weeks from today at the latest. The District administration is also directed to render all help to him in this connection. It is re-iterated that only persons who are permitted by the Superintendants of the hostels concerned will be allowed to remain in the hostels and nobody else. The Superintendant of each hostel of Allahabad University will submit a list of authorized occupants in his hostel to the Vice-Chancellor within ten days from today.

With these observations, the writ petition is dismissed.

Copy of this order will be supplied to Sri Ashok Bhushan within 24 hours, and he will communicate it to the Acting Vice-Chancellor within 24 hours thereafter.