Himachal Pradesh HC stays final year UGC exams, awaits top court's decision tomorrow

Ahead of University Grants Commission (UGC)'s hearing on fate of final year exams in Supreme Court tomorrow,  Himachal Pradesh High Court on Monday stayed final term exams in state, waiting for top court's order on matter. While hearing petition in HC against final year exams,  division bench of Justices Sureshwar Thakur and Chander Bhushan Barowalia, observed that a similar matter was pending before apex court, requesting petitioner to await apex court's decision. matter has been slated for furr hearing on August 19.

"Since it is stated at bar by Neel Kamal Sharma, advocate appearing for respondent number 2, that a lis similar to controversy borne in extant writ petition is sub judice before apex court, re-up-to, as furr prayed for, outcome of apposite sub judice lis before apex court, is, enjoined to be awaited, besides reupto respondents concerned, may t proceed, with relevant schedule," bench said.

Read: SC Hears Petition On UGC's Guidelines For Final Year Exams; Will Take Up Again On Aug 14

Read: UGC Final Year Exam: Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing Till August 10; Seeks MHA's Stand

UGC questions Maha & Delhi Govts

In last hearing in top court, UGC questioned  affidavits filed by  Delhi and Maharashtra governments cancelling final year exams amid COVID-19 pandemic, saying that states could t supersede rules of UGC. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta remarked that states could t act unilaterally adding that ir degrees may t be recognized if y did so.  bench comprising justices Ashok Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy and MR Shah also brought up  Disaster Manment Act questioning if Act could override  UGC's guidelines. 

UGC has justified revised guidelines issued on July 6 and said that it adequately takes into account evolving situation of COVID-19 pandemic because it provides sufficient time till end of September 2020 to conduct final year/terminal semester examinations after following prescribed protocols and procedures relating to COVID-19. next hearing is scheduled for August 18. 

(With ncy Inputs)

Read: UGC Guidelines 2020: Delhi HC Allows Student To Withdraw Plea Amidst Pending SC Decision

Read: Delhi HC Allows Student To Withdraw Plea Against UGC Exam Guidelines As Case Pending In SC