Court Dismisses Petition Allowing University Rules to Prevail Over Student's Plea for Exam Appearance Amidst Medical Leave Claims
In a recent judgment, the Telangana High Court, under the bench of Justice Smt. Juvvadi Sridevi, upheld the decision of NALSAR University of Law, denying a student, S. Nandini, the permission to appear for supplementary MBA examinations due to insufficient attendance. The court emphasized that academic rules are to be strictly adhered to unless proven arbitrary or discriminatory.
The petitioner, S. Nandini, a first-year MBA student, was unable to attend the required number of classes due to a severe illness, including viral pneumonia and other ailments. Despite her medical condition being substantiated by medical records, she failed to meet the minimum 67% attendance required for students granted medical leave, securing only 52% attendance.
Her plea challenged the university's decision as being arbitrary and discriminatory, arguing for a relaxation based on her medical condition. However, the court found that the university's regulations, specifically Rule 5.3.5, clearly stipulated that students detained for lack of attendance are not eligible for supplementary exams and must re-register for the course.
The court highlighted that the petitioner's application for medical leave was not submitted in a timely manner, and her challenge to the initial decision of detention was delayed, further weakening her case. Justice Sridevi remarked that while the situation evokes sympathy, the court's role is not to override established academic regulations without evidence of arbitrariness or discrimination.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's limited scope in academic affairs, reaffirming the autonomy of educational institutions in enforcing their regulations, provided they are not in violation of principles of fairness and justice.
Bottom line:-
Academic Regulations - Student detained from appearing in End-Term Examinations due to shortage of attendance cannot be permitted to appear in supplementary examinations under mandatory rules governing the MBA Programme.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Rule 4.6, Rule 4.7.2, Rule 5.3.5 of NALSAR University's Academic Regulations for the MBA Programme.
S.Nandini v. NALSAR University of Law, (Telangana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2948857
