Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Himachal Pradesh High Court
Himachal Pradesh High Court Refuses To Grant Extra Chance To Complete MBA To Student Who Claimed He Was Preparing For Competitive Exam
|The Himachal Pradesh High Court dismissed a Writ Petition, which sought the entitlement to a special chance for completion of the Petitioner’s MBA Course.
While noting that a student chose not to appear for the MBA examination to prepare for the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) Examination, the Himachal Pradesh High Court stated this was his personal choice, as no one preparing for the HAS or any other competitive examination is barred from participating in other exams.
The Court dismissed a Writ Petition filed against the Himachal Pradesh University, which sought the entitlement to a special chance for completion of the Petitioner’s MBA Course. The Petitioner submitted that after completing his B-Tech in Civil Engineering, he was appointed as an Executive Trainee Civil in Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited. He had enrolled in an MBA program but was unable to complete it within the prescribed six-year period, as stipulated in the relevant Ordinance.
A Single Bench of Justice Ajay Mohan Goel remarked, “In fact, a perusal of the Himachal University Act, as well as the Ordinances demonstrates that there is no such plenary power vested in the University to grant any such relaxation. Learned counsel for the respondents-University submits that the observations of the Court shall be brought to the notice of the University to ensure that no act is committed by the University which is beyond its empowerment under the Statute or the Ordinance.”
Advocate Hamender Singh Chandel appeared for the Petitioner, while Advocate Devender K. Sharma represented the Respondents.
Brief Facts
The Petitioner stated that he himself chose not appear in the MBA 4th Semester examination, as he intended to prepare for the Himachal Pradesh Administrate Services Examination. That was his personal choice. He had made representations to the University, seeking a special chance for completion of the course, similar to what was allegedly granted to students of other courses.
Court’s Reasoning
The High Court noted that the "MBA course happens to be a professional course and the petitioner did not complete the said course within the prescribed period of six years".
Therefore, the Bench found that "no indulgence, as prayed for, can be granted to him nor this Court finds any infirmity in the order impugned."
The Court stated that the Petitioner's decision to prepare for the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services Examination was a "personal choice" and that it was "not as if someone who is preparing for HAS examination or any other competent examination is barred during the period of preparation to participate in any other examination."
Consequently, the Court ordered, “In the light of above discussion as this Court finds no merit in the petition, the same is dismissed. Pending miscellaneous applications, if any, also stand disposed of.”
Accordingly, the High Court dismissed the Petition.
Cause Title: Mohit Shukla v. Himachal Pradesh University & Anr. (CWP No. 4779 of 2025)