Delhi HC Stays JNU Circulars Making MPhil Mandatory For PhD [Read Order]

The Delhi High Court has stayed for now the operation of two circulars issued by the Jawaharlal Nehru University making an MPhil degree mandatory for candidates keen on pursuing PhD.

Justice Indermeet Kaur stayed the effect of circulars till February 26.

"Impugned notification is stayed till the next date," the court ordered.

The court order comes on a petition moved by PhD student Preeti Umarao and others through advocate Prashant Bhushan.

The petitioners said they were aggrieved by circulars dated September 21 and 25 issued by JNU wherein a condition has been laid down that candidates who wish to pursue a PhD programme must have an MPhil degree.

The petitioners submitted that this condition was not contained in any earlier admission brochure of the varsity.

They also submitted that the new condition would adversely affect them since they have already started their PhD programme in June 2016 and they would suffer a huge setback if this impugned notification is allowed to continue.

The varsity has been told to file affidavit within four weeks followed by a rejoinder by the petitioners before February 26.