Bombay HC relief for mechanical engineering students

Will the University of Mumbai conduct a reexamination of the Applied Mathematics paper for the 20 students pursuing Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) or grant revised marks and a grace period of one academic year as the paper was proved to be out of the syllabus?

The Bombay high court has directed the University of Mumbai to decide on the issue expeditiously before the next academic year begins.

A division bench of justice AM Khanwilkar and justice NM Jamdar was hearing a petition filed by Siddhesh Bhikaji Nerkar, a student, who claimed that the Applied Mathematics (Semester-IV) paper was illegal because the questions were not from the syllabus.

Earlier, the university decided to ascertain the factual position and sought the paper setter’s opinion. He said that the exam paper was not as per the syllabus of Applied Mathematics-IV of mechanical and other branches and his opinion was accepted by the vice-chancellor.

Advocate Rui Rodriguez, appearing for the university, said: “As per the court order, the matter will be referred to the board of examinations and a decision will be taken before the next academic year begins as to whether the university should conduct a re-examination or grant relief of grace year as sought by the petitioner.”

The court disposed of the petition noting that the university should take action against the paper setter in question.