UGC Exams SC Verdict: Supreme Court Decision To be Delayed Again?

UGC Guidelines Case: The SC was expected likely to announce the final verdict on the petitions challenging the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on the final year university exams today. But it seems that the decision may be delayed again.

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UGC Guidelines Updates: The Supreme Court was expected to announce the final verdict on the petitions challenging the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on the final year university exams today. However, according to a report by Times Now, there might be a delay in the verdict. Advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava had informed on Tuesday that there might be a delay in the SC decision.

Our #UGC matter is NOT listed in tomorrow’s Supplementary Cause List. Thus, SC is UNLIKELY to pronounce final order tomorrow. I really wish & hope that final order is passed ASAP. Uncertainty is causing severe anxiety to the students! Will update once final order is notified.

— Alakh Alok Srivastava (@advocate_alakh) August 25, 2020

Students have been waiting for clarity and expected the SC to give a decision un the last hearing held on August 18, 2020. But the court had reserved its verdict and given all the parties three days-time to present their final arguments. According to media reports, the Supreme Court is likely to give its decision today, August 26th, 2020. Advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava also indicated the possible date in a tweet he shared on Monday. On July 6, the UGC had issued guidelines that stated it was mandatory for Universities to conduct the final year exams using any– pen and paper, online, or a combination of both by September 30th, 2020. Soon after multiple petitions were filed against the decision which included a plea filed by 31 students from different states and by Maharashtra's Yuva Sena. The apex court began hearing the case from July 31. Apart from final year university exams, students have been opposing several other exams such as NEET and JEE because of the rapidly rising Covid 19 cases in the country which poses a health risk. They have demanded that the exams be shifted to a later date. After the apex court dismissed a petition seeking the postponement of NEET and JEE exams, the Education Ministry also confirmed that the exams will be held according to the revised schedule.