Gujarat High Court Considers Student's Dietary Excuse for Low Attendance
In a unique case at the Gujarat High Court, a fourth-year LLB student from Marwadi University in Ahmedabad has linked his academic attendance issues to his eating habits, sparking both legal and humorous discussions.
Student Seeks Relief Over Attendance Rule
The student was barred from appearing in examinations after failing to meet the mandatory 75% attendance requirement. He approached the high court personally, arguing that his prolonged absence was due to health problems. To support his claim, he submitted medical documents citing acidity as the primary issue.
Dietary Habits Under Scrutiny
Upon closer examination, the court found that the student's health condition was attributed to his consumption of pizza and burgers over several months. A doctor's certificate confirmed this, noting that the student had visited the physician four to five times in the past three months due to these dietary choices.
Court Suggests Compromise
The high court urged the university to explore a solution to prevent the student's academic year from being jeopardized. In response, the university proposed on Friday that the student could appear for Mid-Term II and final exams, even though he had already missed Mid-Term I, which carries 15% weightage, due to his non-attendance.
Student Hesitates Over Lost Marks
However, the student was reluctant to accept the proposal, unwilling to forgo the 15% marks from the missed Mid-Term I exam. The court granted him time until April 16 to reconsider his position.
The court directed, "By that time, petitioner-party-in-person is directed to make his stand clear as to whether he wants to appear in Mid-Term-II examination, which is commencing from April 20, 2026. In case no affidavit is filed by the petitioner party-in-person by the next date of hearing, it shall be construed that the petitioner is not agreeable to the proposal given by the Respondent No. 3 — university."Next Steps in the Case
The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on April 16, with the university expected to file its detailed reply on the merits of the case. This ongoing legal battle highlights the intersection of health, diet, and academic regulations in higher education.
