Rida Farid Bazmi | Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad | 6th July 2020
The non-availability of paper and printing facilities cannot justify non-issuance of Degree Certificate by Delhi University“
Case: Dhritiman Ray vs University Of Delhi & Ors., W.P. (C) 3945/2020
Facts: Dhritiman Ray, the Petitioner completed his M.A. in Psychology from the Zakir Hussain Delhi College, with a First Division Delhi in 2017. Later, the petitioner sought admission into several prestigious colleges for his post-graduate course counting Glasgow University, Edinburgh University and Kings College London. In fact, the petitioner was also awarded the Commonwealth Scholarship by Kings College London nonetheless, he could not materialize due to the non-filing of the degree certificate which was to be issued by Delhi University within the specified time.
The petitioner appeals that he has a final opportunity to avail scholarship from Glasgow University and in case if he fails to upload the degree certificate on the portal, he shall lose this opportunity too. Hence, the petitioner has filed a write petition against Delhi University for the mom – issuance of his degree. Subsequently, the respondent has submitted his argument stating that the reason for the non-issuance of the degree certificate is due to lack of proper quality paper as well as the expiration of the contract with the printer.
Order: The Delhi High Court takes thoughtful note of the fact that reason stated for the delay caused in the issuance of degree certificates to the student is completely unjustifiable when the careers and future prospects of students are at stake. In this case, the Delhi High Court was the opinion that the non-issuance of the degree certificate for a period of three long years have resulted in irreparable damage to the Petitioner’s further studies.
Further, the Delhi High Court held that the Petitioner shall approach the office of Dean, Examination, Delhi University, North Campus on 9th July 2020 at 3:00 p.m., to collect his original degree certificate (with or without the security feature) and if any further email or letter is needed for the Petitioner to satisfy the foreign University that the certificate being issued is genuine, the same shall also be written by the Dean, to ensure that the degree certificate being issued is accepted by the said University or other authorities.
Furthermore, the court strongly opined that there is a need that Delhi University streamlines the process of obtaining degree certificates with a fixed timeline and schedule and should guide its students who wish to pursue further education and in career opportunities.
The matter is listed for further hearing on 7th August 2020.
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