[Breaking] Final Year Exams: Karnataka HC Asks VTU To Reconsider Possibility Of Online Option For Special Exams

The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday directed the Visvesaraya Technological University (VTU) to reconsider the feasibility of holding online examination as an option in addition to offline examination for the students while attempting the examination at least in the special chance.

The University has been asked to take note of suggestion from students and also opinion to extent possible, take assistance and counsel from experts regarding technical requirements and take an appropriate decision.

"University should keep in mind that the final exam would have a great impact on the students' future prospects. It is expected to explore all grievances made by students with all seriousness", observed a bench of Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav.

"It is to be noticed that in any decision taken, the interest of students should be of foremost consideration. In these times of Covid-19, pandemic it is expected whatever technological solutions available should be explored", the bench said.

The bench added that "As the current exam would come to an end by 15/09/2020, the time that is available to university to reconsider will also be sufficient."

The University is to place on record its decision on the next date of hearing September 25.

The Court also recorded the submission of the State Government that the SOPs applicable for the KCET exam would also be followed in the conduct of these exams.

The Court has further directed the appointment of a Grievance Redressal Officer to deal with the complaints of the students regarding the exams.

"The contact details of the government official designated as Grievance officer to be put up on the website of VTU to enable the students to contact and get their grievances addressed", the Court said.

The Court passed the order in a petition filed by students of Bangalore Institute of Technology, seeking the online option for exams in addition to offline method.

Yesterday, following the submissions of Advocate Bhargav Bhat for the petitioners, the Court had asked the VTU to respond on why online exams cannot be held when viva was done online.