‘Pass students on basis of last performance’

‘Pass students on basis of last performance’

C-Neha.Sharma5@timesgroup.com

Chandigarh:  24.07.2020

Keeping in view continuous increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Punjab and Haryana high court has observed that Panjab University could consider and examine the issue of conducting final year examination. The Punjab and Haryana high court has extended an interim stay on final examinations till August 13, when the matter will come up for hearing.

During the resumed hearing of the case, Himmat Singh Sidhu, advocate, counsel for the petitioner, stated that some of the students will have to travel from far off places like Leh and Ladakh to give examination for final semesters, which is difficult in time of Covid-19 crisis. After arguments, the HC observed that Panjab University could consider and examine the issue of conducting final year examination, keeping in view the decision dated June 23, 2020 taken by the Government of Maharashtra and a decision, dated June 22, 2020 taken by the Central University of Tamil Nadu, whereby they have decided to pass students on the basis of their previous semesters’ performance.

The HC has given these directions on a petition, whereby petitioners sought quashing of order which directed final year students to appear for their end semester exams. It was submitted that as per the notification dated June 19, 2020, Panjab University will conduct the final semester examinations in July 2020. The advocate also referred to the judgment passed by the Delhi high court that guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the ministries are unanimous that there is no compulsion on Delhi University to conduct examinations for the final year.