Prof. Elankumaran vs. University of Jaffna and Others – sllr 2019 volume 1 page 538

In the case between Prof. Elankumaran and the University of Jaffna and Others, the issue concerned the legality of the promotional procedures for the post of Professor in Economic Statistics, specifically regarding the establishment and use of a Screening Committee, the evaluation by External Experts, and subsequent alterations by the Selection Committee. It was held that the University’s process deviated from the statutory framework prescribed in Circular No. 723, resulting in procedural impropriety that rendered the decision not to promote the petitioner both illegal and arbitrary. The holding reaffirmed that academic administrative decisions, while generally subject to deference, are amenable to judicial review where irregularities, arbitrariness, or illegality are established. Reliance