The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed students of the Faculty of Law at Delhi University to skip the May 28 examinations if they wished to observe Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, on that day. The court directed that such students may inform the dean via email about their absence.
University's Response and Revised Schedule
In response to the court's order, Delhi University stated that it would hold the postponed examinations after July 4. The court further instructed the university to provide students with at least one week's prior notice before conducting the rescheduled exams.
Background of the Dispute
Earlier, Delhi University had declared a holiday on May 28 but maintained that examinations would proceed as planned. This decision sparked objections from students, particularly Muslim students, who argued that it would hinder their ability to fully observe the festival. A second-year law student filed a plea in the High Court, stating that students had raised concerns with the dean and later approached the registrar, who assured them that something would be done.
Student's Demand and Legal Arguments
The student explained, "Our initial demand was to prepone the exam to May 27, but DU went ahead with the notification. Now there is no time left for preponement, so we sought postponement." He added that the university's decision was contradictory and prevented students from celebrating the festival freely, violating their rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
Court's Intervention
The High Court's order allows both minority and non-minority students to skip the exams if they wish to observe Eid al-Adha. This decision ensures that students can participate in the religious festivities without academic penalty.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between academic schedules and religious observances, with the court stepping in to balance the rights of students.
