Delhi University Students File Petition To Reconsider Offline Examinations; Plea Dismissed By High Court

Amid escalating covid cases in the country, a group of Delhi University students have moved the Delhi High Court in opposition to the University’s decision to conduct offline exams. The students are currently nearing the end of their even semesters with the exams scheduled to begin in May 2022. The decision to hold offline exams was announced in a February 11 notice by Delhi University, following which the students have started protesting it.

The Students’ Plea

Last month, Delhi University decided to allow provisions for Covid infected students to take their lab exams at a later date. Colleges were even allowed to hold the exams after the theory examinations had concluded.

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The plea also requested the even semester examinations be conducted in open-book mode. The petition is handled by Advocate Ajay Kumar Srivastava who said that as the pandemic is once more raging through the country, the university must make accommodations for its students.

Furthermore, students stated in the plea that despite the University order on February 9, many colleges continued to hold the classes online. As 65% of its current students are outstation students, they do not have the means to abruptly appear physically for the exams, and mass use of public transportation by the students is bound to aggravate the current situation.

The petition also states that students who have completed a majority of their semester online cannot be compelled to write the examination offline.

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Furthermore, it also states that a yearlong inaugural function by the university will be held online. While this situation stands, it is not justifiable to hold examinations online.

The Court’s Reaction

After its hearing before the bench today, the judge decided to move the plea with the ‘dismissed as withdrawn’.

“This is not the right time to pass any order. However, the Court has given the liberty to petitioners to approach the court again if there is any change in the circumstances," Justice Rekha Palli said.

There has yet to be a statement from the petitioners on this decision.

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Shamik Banerjee

Associate, Content

I'm an avid reader and a football lover. When I'm not at work, you will probably find me invested in some football match. At Unstop, I dig out obscure facts and make them relevant through compelling stories.