Date Sheets Be Issued At Least 15 Days Before Exams; Consider Grievance Of Students Appearing For 2 Papers On Same Day: HC To Delhi University Faculty Of Law

The Delhi High Court recently advised the Dean and Head of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi to ensure that future date-sheets are issued at least 15 days before the examinations begin and also consider the representations of students expeditiously if they are required to appear for two exams on the same day.
The petition was filed under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution seeking quashing of the examination schedule for the odd semester examinations of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, issued on January 3, 2024.
The Single-Judge Bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma asserted, “It is a settled principle in law that Educational Institutions should be allowed to retain their autonomy and expertise in managing academic and disciplinary matters, with judicial intervention limited to exceptional circumstances involving the interpretation of a statutory provision or law".
Senior Advocate Kirti Uppal represented the Petitioners while Advocate Mohinder J.S. Rupal represented the Respondents.
Arguments
It was the case of the Petitioners that the issuance of the revised date-sheet just three days before the commencement of the examinations on January 6 has caused practical difficulties for the students. By way of illustration, it was pointed out that the first petitioner is required to appear in two exams scheduled for the same date.
It was further submitted that as a result, the petitioner and many other similarly placed students will be unable to perform to their full potential, which may adversely affect their results. One of the suggestions put forth by the Petitioners was that the University may devise a mechanism to address such situations in the interest of the students' welfare and the Faculty of Law should issue date-sheets well in advance.
It was the case of the respondents that as per an Order issued by the Dean and Head of the Faculty of Law, remedial classes were scheduled to be held from December 23, 2024 to January 4, 2025. It was further submitted that certain changes were made in the revised date sheet to address representations made by the students.
Reasoning
The Bench at the outset observed, “It is a well-settled proposition that, while hearing such petitions, courts must consider the challenges faced by students. At the same time, they must also respect the need for universities to manage their administration in accordance with established rules and regulations. Not all students approach the court with their grievances; those who do may serve as representative cases to highlight common issues.”
Showing its reluctance to interfere with the administration of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, the Bench said, “However, the Court strongly urges the Dean of the Faculty of Law to take all administrative decisions, including the issuance of date-sheets, with due regard for the interests of the students. There is no dispute that students must be given adequate notice before the commencement of examinations.”
Reference was also made to the judgment of the Supreme Court in Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Education v. Paritosh Bhumpeshkumar Sheth (1984) to clarify that the High Court should be very slow in interfering with the administration of the University of Delhi which is a premier University of this Country, except in the exceptional circumstances.
The Bench further affirmed, “When it concerns matters of educational policy or academic issues, courts generally refrain from interference. However, if a provision or principle of law needs to be interpreted, applied, or enforced in connection with education, the courts will step in. While there is no absolute prohibition, it is a rule of prudence that courts should exercise caution and avoid unsettling decisions made by academic bodies.”
The High Court disposed of the Petition by concluding, “While the Court does not deem it appropriate at this stage to interfere with the revised date-sheet issued by the University of Delhi, it earnestly advises that the Dean and Head of the Faculty of Law to ensure that future date-sheets are issued at least 15 days before the examinations begin. Furthermore, if there are instances in the current date-sheet where students are required to appear for two exams on the same day, the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi may consider the representations of students with compassion and address them expeditiously, in accordance with the rules and regulation.”
Cause Title: Soham Bhattacharya and Others v. The Faculty of Law University of Delhi Through Its Dean and Another (Case No.: W.P.(C) 81/2025)
Appearance:
Petitioner: Senior Advocate Kirti Uppal, Advocates Harvinder Singh, Archisha Satyarthi, Rishita Bhadanaand Vardan Sharma
Respondents: Advocates Mohinder J.S. Rupal, Hardik Rupal Aishwarya Malhotra, Advocates