HC Refuses to Interfere With DU Final Year Open Book Exams

Delhi High Court has denied interference with DU’s decision to conduct open book exams for its final year students.

However, it has asked Delhi University and University Grants Commission (UGC) to devise solutions for disabled students taking similar exams.

The court’s decision in view of open-book exams stands uninterrupted as the University chose to conduct offline physical exams as well. These exams are to be held for students unable to take online exams now, once COVID-19 situation improves.

High Court’s advise devising feasible solutions 

A bench of justices, Asha Menon and Rajiv Sahai Endlaw asked UGC, Centre and Delhi University to devise a solution for students having different types of disabilities. 

This should be done in consultation with disabled students’ representatives and scheduled this matter for hearing on June 12.

The High Court even ordered students to keep preparing for open book exams scheduled for July 1, hoping these proceedings will delay exams. 

As per the orders passed by HC on June 9, all decisions will be taken addressing issues of students with disabilities.

The bench asked UGC, DU and centre to keep an additional set of question papers ready for students who will not be able to attend this exam. 

The order was passed with respect to a plea by the National Federation of the Blind that the decision to hold open book exams will only violate the rights of students with visual impairments or even other disabilities. 

The federation wished for evaluation of final year disabled students based on internal assessments. Alternatively, it advised holding offline exams when university reopens.