Delhi HC asks JNU to explain 'exams without classes'

The examination is being conducted using alternative ways like uploading question papers on the university’s website or sending them to students by e-mail. 

The Delhi High Court has asked the administration of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to elaborate on the purpose of conducting take-home examinations or online open book as no classes took place in the varsity. According to the reports, HC said that the whole purpose of conducting examinations is to check what all the students have learned. Justice Rajiv Shakdher also questioned that since no classes were held in the university, does this imply that students are being evaluated just on what is written in the textbooks.

The HC has further interrogated about the possibility of conducting remaining monsoon classes as well as the examination in the university. The Board has also been asked to submit recommendations to JNU’s academic council and to submit a copy of the same to the court before the next hearing i.e. February 4, 2020.

The alternative method of conducting the examination by uploading question papers on the university’s website or sending them to students by e-mail, and receiving answer sheets of the students via e-mails and WhatsApp messages is being challenged by the professors and students in the court. Senior advocate Ritin Rao is representing the plea of the faculty and students. Advocates Abhik Chimni and Samiksha Godiyal have also filed petitions against the varsity’s circular asking professors to commence course work for the 2020 winter semester. The petitioner has claimed that the directions have been given by the Vice-Chancellor (VC) for conducting the examination in such an extraordinary way. However, the VC does not have the power to allow such a form of examinations when the entire curriculum has not been covered.

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