It is shown for the first time that the analytic form of the wavefunction reveals the real reason behind the dominance of fluorescence decay over autoionization for some doubly excited states of helium without entering into detailed calculation of transition rates. It is remarkable that the angular part of the wave.. function for fluorescence active autoionizing states are same as that of the bound states of that particular symmetry. Subsequently, a criteria has been set up to diagnose the fluorescence active doubly excited states of helium. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.