SC decision on UGC Final year Exams Guidelines awaited
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of pleas challenging UGC decision to make final year university examinations mandatory for grant of degrees until 18th August 2020.
The apex court was hearing pleas filed by multiple groups of students from across the country, who in their petitions had challenged the guidelines issued by University Grants Commissions of Holding the Final Year Exams 2020 for college and university students mandatorily.
During the hearing, Dr Singhvi and Mr Divan had presented their arguments against the arbitrary nature of the UGC Guidelines for Final Year Exams 2020 and how they put Right to Life and also violate Article 14 by exhibiting
UGC refuse to alter its notification directing the Universities to conduct final year examination by September 30
In the affidavit submitted by UGC in response to the notice, stated that, the UGC has taken into account the evolving situation of Covid-19 and has
- provide sufficient time till the end of September 2020 to conduct the final year/ terminal semester examinations after following the prescribed protocols and procedures relating to Covid-19;
- given sufficient flexibility to Universities/ institutions to conduct such examinations in online, offline (pen and paper) or blended (online + offline) mode; and
- provide for an examination through special chance for students who for whatsoever the reason(s) may be unable to appear for the examination.
It has also stated that the guidelines “have to be adopted and applied by all Universities/ institutions in the country (including State Universities)”.
Decision on whether or not the exams have been cancelled would be answered once SC declares its verdict on the UGC Case.