Delhi HC issues notice to JNU over petition challenging varsity's decision to hold online open-book exams

Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to JNU on a petition filed by students and professor challenging varsity's decision to hold online open-book or take-home exams for the monsoon semester.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher, while listing the matter to August 6, also said that the exams will be conducted in a manner as given in the minutes of the meeting of the boards having regard to the fact that the monsoon semester has to close at the earliest.

The court was hearing two separate petitions filed by the professors and students, who have challenged the varsity's decision to conduct end-semester examinations for the 2019 monsoon semester through an alternative medium.

As per the alternative mode, the question papers would be uploaded on the university's website or sent to students by e-mail, and receiving answer sheets through e-mail and WhatsApp messages.

The petitioners have requested the Delhi High Court to direct the academic council to extend the 2019 monsoon semester to ensure completion of semester course work and session evaluation prior to the conduct of end-semester examinations.

The petitioner has also sought a direction to conduct course-work, examination and registration for each semester in strict compliance with the mandatory procedures prescribed under the JNU Act 1966 and the Statutes of the University, the Academic Ordinances and the Academic Rules and Regulations.

The plea has sought to quash challenged circular dated December 19, 2019, December 30, 2019, and January 10 2020, issued by the JNU's Assistant Registrar (Evaluation).