High Court Refuses To Interfere With Delhi University's Decision Of Holding Upcoming Examinations In Physical Mode

The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to interfere with the decision of the Delhi University of holding the upcoming even semester examinations in May 2022 in the physical mode.

Justice Rekha Palli, who was of the opinion that it was not the stage to issue any directions, however granted liberty to the petitioners, who were students of the Delhi University, to approach the Court in case of further change in circumstances.

Accordingly, the plea was dismissed as withdrawn.

The plea had challenged a notice issued by the University dated February 11, 2022 whereby it was decided that the May examination of even semester will be held in physical mode.

It was thus stated that while issuing the said order, the Delhi University had failed to take into consideration that more than 65% of the students were out station candidates and that it was not possible for them to find accommodation in the city at such a short notice.

"That it is very pertinent to mention here that before issuing such a notice relating to examination to be conducted through physical mode or classes to be continued in physical mode the Respondent No.I ought to have considered the problems of the students who were continuing their education through the offline mode for more than a period of 2 years but prior to issue of impugned notice no prior consultation was made with the students with regard to their problems which they wovld face being not prepared on account of office orders as well as assurances given by the concerned authorities," the plea read.

It has also been averred that in the prevalent situation when the Covid cases are rapidly increasing, the University ought to have re-considered the impugned notice.

Accordingly, the plea had sought quashing of the impugned notice as well as well as directions on the University to conduct the all examinations in open book mode for the current semesters.

Title: Vemika Verma and Others v. University of Delhi and Others

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Del) 416