Submit students’ answer sheets,court tells MU

The case pertains to three students studying in different city colleges who claimed that they were not allowed to sit for their examination on May 17. Their results in an earlier examination had been reserved,as they were suspected to have indulged in malpractices during their examinations. In a letter addressed to them,the university informed that their answer sheets had been found in the possession of a temporary staff member of the university and asked them to provide an explanation for the same.

The students,however,claim that the alleged recovery of their answersheets took place owing to a lapse on the part of the university and that they had no relation to the case.

The university a month later,appointed an unfair means committee to look into the matter.

In its order on Tuesday,a vacation bench of Justice S J Kathawalla and Justice P D Kode noted that the students were not given a hearing by the committee. The judges have now asked the university to arrive at an ‘expeditious decision’ in the case.

While refraining from commenting on the allegations against the students,the judges observed,“The court has noted that the university as well as its unfair means committee are completely insensitive to the problems faced by the petitioners.”

The court has directed that a copy of the order should be sent to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University and the Governor of Maharashtra.

Also,the university has been asked to explain its stand as to why no steps were taken to recover the answer sheets from the police and also on whether the unfair means committee has held any meetings on the issue. The case has been adjourned till Friday.