Supreme Court is expected to announce the verdict on the petitions filed against the UGC guidelines which had mandated all the universities to conduct final year exams before September 30, reports NDTV.
Several states had filed pleas against the UGC guidelines stating that the COVID-19 situation makes the situation not conducive to conduct the exams.
In the previous hearing on August 18, the Court had reserved its judgment on the case after hearing West Bengal, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Delhi make a case for postponement or cancellation of the exam.
UGC and Centre argued that conducting the exam is in the best interest of the students and the Commission does not have the luxury to confer degrees without conducting an exam. UGC did concede that states can request for an extension of the September 30 deadline.
States argued that the COVID-19 situation makes it difficult to organise exams and is not taking into account the welfare of the students. They also said that UGC has the authority to ask universities to conduct exams but cannot keep a deadline for the same. States added that health comes under the purview of the state and they also have the right to make decisions based on Disaster Management Authority.
The Court had asked all parties to file written submissions within 3 days, and had reserved its judgment. The bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy and MR Shah heard the petitioners.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!