The Supreme Court through the days has been hearing a batch of petitions on the cancellation of final year examinations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. After initial sessions and postponements, the top court was supposed to make a statement today. But, SC Verdict on UGC Guidelines and Final Year Exams 2020 got adjourned for the day leading to hear the matter on August 14.
Advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, the lawyer representing the students in the SC, requested to grant relief to students considering their health, safety, and job/admission opportunities. The chief of the India Wide Parents’ Association Anubha Srivastava Sahai also hoped things to be in favor of the students.
-I really wanted our #UGC Petition to get decided Today
-I started my legal submissions on behalf of students
-I was explaining the illegality of UGC decision to conduct exams
-But SG sought time to File Reply
-Thus Hon’ble SC adjourned UGC case to 14 August for final hearing
— Alakh Alok Srivastava (@advocate_alakh) August 10, 2020
A month ago, HRD Minister Rakesh Pokhriyal clarified that there will be no chance in the UGC’s decision, end of term exam deadline of September-end this year. Later, the final year students took to their social media handles with virtual protests and campaigns.
States of Maharashtra and Delhi have opposed the UGC’s directives as had previously announced the cancellation in the state universities. Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and Yuva Sena President Aditya Thackeray moved the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to conduct final year examinations before September 30.
