COCHIN UNIV., SCIENCE & TECH. vs THOMAS P. JOHN .

The Supreme Court ruled that the differential fee structure imposed by the appellant University on NRI students was arbitrary and unfair, violating principles of equality and fairness under Article 14 of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that a statutory body must act reasonably and substantiate its decisions with factual data, which the University failed to do. Consequently, the Court held that the petitioners were entitled to the same fee structure as applicable from the academic year 1999-2000, thereby allowing the writ petitions and directing the University to refund the excess fees charged.