Kochi: In the ongoing controversy regarding the conduct of examinations at Kalady Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University, students have approached the High Court, rejecting the authorities’ arguments. In their affidavit, the students stated that the university’s position claiming insufficient attendance to appear for exams is contrary to facts, and that the drop in attendance was caused by suspensions imposed as part of disciplinary actions.
The students primarily challenge the university’s contention that they failed to achieve the required attendance to be eligible for the exams. According to the affidavit submitted to the court, approximately 60 percent attendance was recorded for all students who were scheduled to sit for the exams before suspension proceedings began.
The remaining 15 percent attendance required to qualify for exams could have been attained by submitting applications for exemption, as per the rules, and obtaining approval, the students point out. However, they allege that the suspension, which included a ban on entering the campus, resulted in the loss of opportunity to apply for attendance relaxation.
The affidavit argues that it is unjust to hold the students responsible for the reduced attendance caused by the university’s own disciplinary measures. The students maintain that during the suspension period, they were unable to access the campus or complete academic requirements. Denying them the chance to sit for exams citing low attendance without considering these circumstances is unfair, they contend.
The students have incorporated recent amendments into their writ petition currently under consideration by the High Court, submitting the affidavit to a single bench. They demand that both the right to take exams and the attendance-related disputes be examined in the context of the suspensions.
They highlight that the current legal actions stem from a dispute related to a campus drama performance. The students claim that the university deliberately filed two separate cases concerning the same drama-related issue. Taking multiple actions for the same incident, they allege, reflects a vindictive mindset.
The students also accuse the university of making decisions under the guise of disciplinary procedures that adversely affect their academic futures. The disputes arising from the drama performance, the resulting suspensions, and the university’s stance on exam eligibility are now subject to judicial scrutiny.
Their position calls for a thorough investigation into the true reasons behind the attendance shortfall and a decision on the opportunity to write exams considering the conditions created by the suspensions. A key issue in the case is whether the university’s disciplinary actions have infringed on the students’ right to education.
The university’s responses to the new allegations presented in the students’ affidavit and the subsequent actions taken by the High Court will play a crucial role in resolving the examination controversy.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
