HC seeks response on cancellation of arrear exams

The division bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice R Hemalatha, before whom both the pleas came up for hearing on Tuesday, ordered notice to both central and State educational bodies returnable within two weeks.

 The former Vice Chancellor submitted that the Government Order cancelling the arrear examinations would lower the education standard of the students and universities.

 Contending that the government’s move had demoralised meritorious students, Balagurusamy submitted that most of the students have more than 25 arrear papers and have less than 25 per cent marks in most of the subjects. Offering relief to such students would undermine the importance of academic evaluation in education system, which is a reflection of competence, performance and credibility that is necessary for global acceptability.

 He added that universities were autonomous bodies and hence the State government had no right to interfere in academic matters by unilaterally cancelling all arrear examinations, besides declaring the students with several arrears to have cleared all those papers.

 Another plea moved by advocate B Ramkumar Adityan had contended that cancellation of arrear exams would negate the quality of education and affect the future of students.

 He submitted that such a move would not only affect the morale of meritorious students but also result in students obtaining degrees despite failing in some of the subjects. The advocate cited the lockdown relaxations that had come into effect allowing 100 per cent workforce, and contended that the earlier difficulties in holding the exam did not exist anymore.