Can Degrees Be Given To Students Online With Digital Signatures?, Delhi HC Asks Delhi University To Consider

The Single Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh has directed the Computer Cell as well as the Dean of Examinations of the Delhi University to look into the issue of making a special cell/online portal for the distribution of degree certificates, marksheets, and addressing the grievances of the students.

The court said:

'Professionals whose services are required in the pandemic are being forced to move to the courts to get their degree certificates even after 2 years of graduating. There is no reason as to why the Delhi University can't adopt technologically advanced modes to ensure that students are not inconvenienced.'

The order has come in a writ petition moved by certain MBBS graduates from Lady Hardinge Medical College, who had graduated in 2018, but have not received their degree certificates yet.

Mr Sarthak Maggon, who appeared for the Petitioners, submitted that due to the non-availability of the degrees, the said graduates are finding out impossible to apply for their residence programmes in the United States of America.

Delhi University, on the other hand, submitted that it has started the tender process and is at the final stage of finalising an agreement with a printer for printing degree certificates.

The University further submitted that the opening date for bids is August 03, and the final contract shall tentatively be finalised by the first week of August.

While pulling up the University for such an unsatisfactory excuse, the court said:

'This will go on forever at this rate. DU can't say that it doesn't have a printer. You should look for alternative modes, issue online degrees with digital signatures. We need to have an alternative mechanism, students can't continue to suffer like this.'

The court further highlighted that if its orders can be made available online with digital signatures, why can't the same be done by the Delhi University.

In light of these observations, the court directed both the Computer Cell as well as the Dean of Examinations to be present on the next date of hearing.

The court will next take up this matter on July 23.