HC seeks JNU's reply on pleas challenging decision to hold open-book exams

Delhi High Court on Monday sought response of Jawaharlal Nehru University on separate petitions challenging its decision to hold online open-book or take-home exams for monsoon semester.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher issued tice to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) ministration on two petitions and listed it for furr hearing on August 6.

court said for moment, examinations will be conducted in matter as indicated in minutes of meeting of Board of Studies of schools and special centres having regard to fact that monsoon semester needs to be closed at earliest. judge ted that core issue raised by petitioners is wher JNU could conduct examination via an alternate route which needs to be examined by court.

court was informed by central government standing counsel Monika Arora, representing JNU, that in various schools of varsity, exams have alrey been conducted via regular mode and some have done it through alternate mode.

vocates Samiksha Godiyal and Abhik Chimni, appearing for petitioner teachers and students, said y were willing to accept it in this semester due to time constraints.

In pursuance to earlier order, authorities placed before court minutes of meetings of Board of Studies of schools and special centres detailing manner in which each of m wish to have examinations conducted.

court h earlier asked JNU to deliberate with its acemic council on how to complete classes for monsoon semester, which was disrupted due to a students' agitation on campus, and conduct exams.

It h directed varsity to place before acemic council recommendations of boards of studies of its various schools and special centres on completing classes and conducting exams.

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court was hearing two separate petitions filed by professors and students challenging varsity's decision to conduct end-semester examinations for 2019 monsoon semester through an alternative mode of uploing question papers on university's website or sending m to students by e-mail, and receiving answer sheets through e-mail and WhatsApp messs.

petitions have also opposed a varsity circular directing professors to commence course work for 2020 winter semester, saying directions were issued on instructions of vice chancellor (VC) in exercise of his extraordinary powers under JNU Act and Statutes of University.

petitioners have contended in ir pleas that VC does t have power to allow such examinations when entire curriculum h t been covered in various schools and special centres under university. petitions also contended that circulars have been issued without consultation with faculty members.

" impugned circulars direct end-semester examinations to be conducted even though coursework and syllabus for each course of 2019 monsoon semester has remained incomplete on account of student agitations at university. impugned circulars prescribe drastic changes in pattern of end-semester examinations. y also permit registration of students for next semester without completion of acemic requirements of 2019 monsoon semester. se changes are illegal in absence of approval of Boards of Schools in duly convened meetings," it said.

petitioners have sought quashing of circulars, extension of 2019 monsoon semester and direction to JNU to conduct classes, examinations and registration for each semester in strict compliance with mandatory procedures. 

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