[STUDENTS VS UGC] SC Adjourns The Hearing To August 18 [Read The Courtroom Exchange]

Divan, on behalf of Yuva Sena, concludes his submissions.

The Bench indicates that the matter will now be taken up on the coming Tuesday. 

Divan: But, look at the anxiety that the students must be going through. Have exams, don’t have exams. So many students have gotten admissions in other universities. 

Divan: All streams of students will have to give this exam. Many students do not have access to technology. Where is the UGC’s sensitivity and flexibility ?

Divan: Please don’t discount Dr. Singhvi’s Maharashtra argument. These are practical issues. First of all, I am grateful that the Court is taking this up on priority basis. 

Divan: Now, coming to containment zones. There are thousands of containment zones. There are sudden lockdowns being imposed. This is not a small exclusive exam, this is across the country. 

Divan: A letter cannot supersede a statutory notification which states that all universities and colleges are to be closed. How can you hold exams then ?

Divan: Many students live with their families. With their grandparents and their parents. The students might not show symptoms, but they will come in contact with their families. Please have some concern for them. 

Divan: Teachers and invigilators are also a homogenous class. Their health and their lives are also important. It doesn’t matter which class or which semester you teach. 

Divan: Students are a homogenous class. You cannot say that the lives of 3rd year students are less than that of a 1st year or a 2nd year student. 

Divan: There is no question of imposing these exams if you value the right to life.