[UGC VS STUDENTS] SC Hearing On Petitions Seeking Cancellation Of Final Year Exams [Courtroom Exchange]

Navare: The only powers conferred upon a State is under Section 8. There is no other provision which gives powers to the State. In fact, even VC is given the power, but not the State. 

Navare: At the most, in its widest amplitude, the deadline can be moved. But, States cannot be directed to not hold the exams at all.

 Navare: This is not an opportunity to gain popularity amongst students by Chief Ministers of States. The DMA does not give the SDMA any power to do this. 

Navare: Apart from the pandemic, one cannot say that there is no legal soundness in the decision of UGC. 

Navare: The decision taken by UGC is within the four corners of its powers. It does not exceed their powers. 

Sr. Adv. Vinay Navare now makes his submissions.

 Navare: Apart from the pandemic, one cannot say that there is no legal soundness in the decision of UGC. 

Narasimha: I don’t think the Guidelines given by UGC contravene the issues of health as Vishwanathan has said. We must move forward. 

Narasimha: Further, life must go on ! Government is functioning, Courts are functioning. We must be resilient in this matter. In this context, UGC has given the COVID guidelines. 

Narasimha highlights the importance of the final-year examination in assessing the capability of a student, even for purposes of higher education. 

Narasimha: There are students who put in a lot of hope in their last exam. They think that “final exam aayega toh karenge”. By doing away with the exam, meritorious students will jeopardised. 

Narasimha: Many students, for going to higher education abroad, it is to be noted that the final examination is absolutely necessary. 

Sr. Adv. PS Narasimha commences his submissions.