De Saram v. Panditharatne & Others – sllr 1984 volume 2 page 106

In the case between DE SARAM (petitioner, a final year student) and PANDITHARATNE & OTHERS (respondents, including the Vice-Chancellor), the court addressed whether the Vice-Chancellor had the authority under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 to suspend a student pending inquiry, whether such suspension was arbitrary or malicious, and the validity of delegating disciplinary powers. It was held that the Vice-Chancellor’s power includes the authority to suspend students on an interim basis for maintaining order during investigations, provided no evidence of arbitrariness or breach of natural justice is shown. The distinction between administrative suspensions pending inquiry and punitive suspensions was reaffirmed, and the appointment of the 3rd respondent to conduct the inquiry was deemed