Interim Relief Granted; Admissions Using Deprivation Points Suspended Until Further Notice
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has temporarily halted the admissions process at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) that utilized deprivation points, following a writ petition challenging the practice. The court, presided over by Justice Jasmeet Singh, granted interim relief by directing that admissions based on deprivation points shall not be finalized until further orders are issued.
The case, titled "Amit Mehra v. Jawaharlal Nehru University through its Registrar," was brought before the court by petitioner Amit Mehra, who contended that the university's policy of awarding deprivation points based on the geographical location of prior schooling was altering the sanctity of competitive examination scores, such as those from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
In the JNU e-Prospectus for the Academic Session 2026-27, Section V detailed a mechanism where candidates could receive up to 12 deprivation points, equating to an additional 36 marks. This policy, the petitioner argued, unfairly altered merit lists and was not authorized by law. The petitioner sought the quashing of Section V and demanded that all admissions be based solely on the raw scores from the CUET.
JNU defended its policy, stating it aimed to ensure a diverse student body, as per the objectives outlined in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Act, 1966. The university claimed that the deprivation points were a result of decisions made by its academic council after thorough deliberation.
The court, however, expressed its inability to agree with JNU's stance, noting that the awarding of deprivation points altered the marks obtained by students and undermined the integrity of the entrance exams. Justice Singh remarked that allowing a university to modify entrance exam scores through such policies would contradict the essence of competitive examinations.
The court's decision to grant interim relief prevents the finalization of admissions based on deprivation points until further hearing, scheduled for August 24, 2026. This move ensures that if the policy is ultimately found impermissible, no irreversible actions would have been taken.
This ruling underscores the ongoing debate over admission policies and the balance between maintaining the integrity of competitive exams and promoting diversity in educational institutions.
Bottom Line :
Admissions based on deprivation points granted by Jawaharlal Nehru University are prima facie held to alter the sanctity of competitive examination scores and may be impermissible under law.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Jawaharlal Nehru University Act, 1966
