L.A. Samanlatha Pushpakumari and others Vs. University of the Visual & Performing Arts and others – CA WRT 0083/20-2025

The case involved an application for writs of certiorari, mandamus, and prohibition by four petitioners against the University of the Visual & Performing Arts and other respondents, challenging recruitment to academic posts and seeking their own appointments. The core legal issues revolved around allegations of unfairness, bias, and unlawful advantage in the selection process, particularly concerning the marking scheme and the conduct of interview panels. The Court found compelling evidence of unlawful bias against the 3rd petitioner and in favor of the 35th respondent, based on a recorded telephone conversation between an interview panel member (9th respondent) and the 35th respondent, which indicated a pre-determined outcome and information sharing. This led to the 35th respondent gainin