The Delhi High Court has delivered a significant judgment reinforcing the fundamental right to pursue higher education, stating it cannot be lightly taken away. The court intervened to protect a student whose admission to a law programme at Delhi University was abruptly cancelled.
Court Quashes Delhi University's Admission Cancellation
Justice C Hari Shankar presided over the case and quashed an order from Delhi University that had revoked the admission of a student to its LLB course. The controversy began when the student, who had legitimately secured admission, faced cancellation because the university claimed his Class 12 marks were 0.5% lower than the required cutoff after a re-evaluation.
The court found the university's action to be arbitrary and without proper justification. Justice Shankar emphasized that the right to education, especially at the higher level, is a valuable right that flows from Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The bench made it clear that such a right cannot be extinguished through a casual or ill-considered administrative decision.
The Student's Ordeal and Legal Battle
The student had originally been admitted to the three-year LLB program at the Law Centre-I of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, based on his initial Class 12 marksheet. However, the university later cancelled his admission after a re-evaluation process by the CBSE marginally reduced his percentage.
Challenging this cancellation, the student argued through his counsel that the minute difference of 0.5% should not be grounds for upending his academic career, especially after he had already commenced his studies. The court agreed with this contention, noting the profound disruption and injustice caused by the cancellation.
Justice Shankar's order directed Delhi University to reinstate the student's admission immediately. The university was also instructed to allow the student to attend classes and participate in all academic activities without any further hindrance, effectively restoring his status as a bona fide law student.
Broader Implications for Educational Institutions
This ruling sets an important precedent for how educational institutions, particularly universities, handle administrative decisions affecting student admissions. The Delhi High Court underscored that authorities must act with fairness, proportionality, and due consideration for the severe impact such decisions have on a young person's future.
The judgment sends a strong message that procedural rigidity should not override substantive justice. While rules and cutoffs are important for maintaining standards, their application must be tempered with reason, especially in borderline cases where a minor discrepancy can derail a student's professional aspirations.
This case highlights the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding educational rights against arbitrary administrative actions. It reinforces the principle that access to higher education is a cornerstone for individual development and societal progress, deserving of robust legal protection.
