Who took former Punjab CM Channi’s exam photo? University claims camera was outside hall

Although the Panjab University Controller of Examinations has denied any security breach, his admission that no CCTV camera was installed in that specific hall has sparked questions over exam security and surveillance measures.

3 min readChandigarhAug 24, 2026 03:38 PM IST

A photo of former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi taking an exam has sparked a row, with Panjab University saying it was taken from outside the hall.

A newspaper photograph showing former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi appearing for an exam has triggered a row at Panjab University, prompting Controller of Examinations Professor Jagat Bhushan to clarify on Monday that the image was taken from outside the hall.

The photo captured the Congress leader during his MA Public Administration test on August 20. Former Chandigarh mayor and university senate and syndicate member Davesh Moudgil raised concerns over how the photo was taken, questioning if prohibited electronic devices were brought into the venue.

Addressing the ongoing controversy over the picture, Bhushan said even though no CCTV camera was installed in that particular hall, the university is currently procuring surveillance systems for its examination venues.

“I came to know about the photograph from the newspapers. The process for procuring CCTV cameras is on, and I will check the progress of the same,” Bhushan said. Emphasising that no internal security boundary was breached to capture the image, he added, “We can control inside the hall, not outside.”

Moudgil had demanded that the university initiate an unfair means case, cancel Channi’s examination, and debar him, as prescribed under the university rules, if the regulations were breached. He had also requested CCTV footage and details regarding Channi’s appearance in the test.

Meanwhile, Channi claimed that the controversy is unnecessary. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said, “I did not take any selfie. If the photograph was taken by a press photographer from outside the examination hall, then why is an unnecessary controversy being created?”

“Moreover, every examination should be conducted under CCTV camera surveillance. It is important for the university to have cameras installed in examination halls,” Channi said.

Story continues below this ad

On Monday, Moudgil met Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to raise the matter. According to Moudgil, the Governor assured him that the issue would be looked into and an inquiry would be conducted.

However, the Controller’s confirmation means that no CCTV footage from inside the hall is available, forcing the university to examine the matter using other available records and information.

Security measures at exam venues

The incident has drawn renewed attention to security measures and the enforcement of examination rules regarding electronic devices and access around exam centres.

Expressing concern about the lack of surveillance, Moudgil said, “If there was no CCTV camera at the examination hall, it raises a serious question about the security and sanctity of the examination process. In such a situation, anyone could do anything in the hall, and there would be no independent record to verify what actually happened.

Story continues below this ad

“How is it possible that such an important university examination is being conducted without CCTV surveillance? The university must explain this and fix accountability. What to talk of secrecy during an exam when even the security is questionable.”

Hina Rohtaki

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter): @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Recommendations...

Sep 05: Latest News

Live Blog