Punjab & Haryana High Court Reinstates MBBS Students, Cites University's Procedural Lapses
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has delivered a significant ruling, setting aside the expulsion of two MBBS students accused in an examination malpractice case. Justice Kuldeep Tiwari passed the orders after hearing a plea filed by Khushi Sehrawat and Vidhi Rana against their expulsion by Pandit BD Sharma University of Health Sciences in Rohtak.
Court Emphasizes Grave Allegations Cannot Override Due Process
While acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, the court firmly held that adherence to the principles of natural justice cannot be bypassed. The controversy stemmed from large-scale irregularities detected in the MBBS examination, including discrepancies such as mismatched answer sheets and suspected substitutions. A preliminary inquiry had flagged approximately 30 students, with the two petitioners among them.
The university's investigation relied on forensic handwriting analysis, which reportedly indicated that some answer sheets did not match the students' handwriting. Based on these findings, the university expelled the students and cancelled their exam results. However, the High Court found critical procedural flaws in this process.
Key Violations of Natural Justice Identified
The court observed that the vice-chancellor passed the expulsion order without granting the students a personal hearing, a fundamental requirement for fairness. Additionally, copies of crucial documents—specifically the disciplinary board's recommendations and the handwriting expert's report—were not provided to the students before the decision was made.
Such omissions were deemed to violate the principles of natural justice, rendering the expulsion legally unsustainable, the court ruled. This underscores the legal imperative that even in serious cases, institutions must follow due process to ensure justice is served transparently.
Court Directs Fresh Hearing with Proper Documentation
In its ruling, the High Court has directed the students to appear before the vice-chancellor on March 27, 2026, for a fresh hearing. The university has been instructed to supply all relevant documents, including the expert reports, to the students beforehand. This move aims to rectify the earlier procedural errors and allow for a fair defense.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in academic disciplinary processes, where balancing integrity with student rights remains crucial. The court's decision reinforces that procedural fairness is non-negotiable, even when allegations are severe, ensuring that educational institutions uphold both accountability and justice.
