SC hears petition on UGC's guidelines for final year exams; will take up again on Aug 14

Supreme Court on Monday heard petition challenging University Grants Commission's (UGC) July 6 circular on  final year exams. During proceedings, 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. He also added that states could t act unilaterally adding that ir degrees may t be recognized if y did so. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing UGC said, "How can states cancel exams when UGC is empowered to confer degrees?" SG Mehta also sought time to reply to affidavits filed by two states adding, “If exams aren't conducted, students can't get a degree. That's law."

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.  bench sought UGC's reply in this matter and furr slated  hearing for August 14.

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

UGC justifies circular 

Earlier,  UGC justified its decision directing all universities and institutions to hold final year/semester examinations in September saying it was done to protect academic future of students across country.

UGC has also filed a 50-p affidavit on a batch of petitions, including one filed by Shiv Sena's youth wing 'Yuva Sena', which have challenged its guidelines issued on July 6 for holding exams in September amidst persisting Coronavirus pandemic. 

UGC 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.

Read: Will Give Digital Degrees Online To Pass Outs Who Haven't Received m, DU Tells HC

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

(With ncy Inputs)