Amidst ongoing 'Students vs UGC' case, HNB Garhwal University in Uttarakhand postpones last semester exams

Amidst the ongoing battle between the students and the centre over cancellation of final year university exams, Hemavati Nanadan Bahuguna Garhwal University has postponed UG/PG exams of last semester that were to be held from September 10.

University Vice-Chancellor Prof. NS Panwar issued an order in this regard, stating that the examinations from September 10 are postponed till further orders."The new exam schedule will be announced 15 days prior to the start of the examination," the order said.

In the Students vs UGC case, the Supreme Court of India is unlikely to pronounce its verdict today (i.e. August 26, Wednesday) on the petitions filed against the University Grants Commission (UGC) mandate that requires universities across the country to conduct the final year examinations by September 30 amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak. A three-judge bench has been hearing the case. The arguments for and against the case have been heard.

The matter was last heard on August 18. The top court is yet to announce the date when it would pronounce its final judgment. The matter is not listed in the cause list for today and the final decision has yet again been shifted to another day.

The reason was made public in a tweet by Alakh Alok Srivastava, advocate at the Supreme Court of India. He wrote yesterday, "Our UGC matter is NOT listed in tomorrow’s Supplementary Cause List. Thus, SC is UNLIKELY to pronounce the final order tomorrow. I really wish & hope that the final order is passed ASAP. Uncertainty is causing severe anxiety to the students! Will update once the final order is notified."