Himachal Pradesh HC Puts a Stay on UGC Exam Guidelines Until Supreme Court Orders

Till the time the Supreme Court announces a decision on the matter of UGC guidelines, Himachal Pradesh High Court has put a stay on the order.

The High Court of Himachal Pradesh stays the UGC examination until the orders of the Supreme Court of India is pronounced in the matter pic.twitter.com/8tdVrLHMXF

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2020

A petition filed by parents and students

In a notification released on July 6, UGC had directed all the universities of the country to conduct final year examinations before September 30. 

To revoke this decision of UGC, a petition was filed by some parents and students, seeking the cancellation of final year examinations, which was supported by top officials of the states/ UT and had also written a letter to UGC, MHRD, and even the Prime Minister.

Also Read The Week in Education: Students Knock Supreme COurt's Doors over UGC, JEE & NEET 2020

Last SC Hearing

The last hearing on this matter was held on August 14, 2020. The Counsel who appeared at Court said that the UGC decision is unusual and there is no mention of health concerns or improvement in the situation. He also said that assigning a date in normal circumstances is fine but UGC should look after the unprecedented time being faced across the country.

Meanwhile, Delhi High Court directed UGC to issue an advisory to all the universities regarding the submission of provisional certificates for pursuing further education. 

UGC also opposed the Delhi and Maharashtra government decision of scrapping final year examination and said that a step is an act of intrusion on the legislative field of coordinating and determining the standards of higher education.

The Supreme Court will continue hearing the plea challenging UGC guidelines on August 18, 2020. A group of students and parents have even filed a counter-plaint in SC asking NTA to conduct NEET and JEE Main 2020 as scheduled in September and not to delay them anymore.