VTU Exam 2021: Karnataka HC Seeks State’s Decision on Plea Against Offline Exams amid COVID-19 Pandemic

January 13, 2021: Karnataka High Court has, today, sought response of the state government on the issue of a plea filed against Vishveshwarya Technical University. The university had earlier scheduled offline end semester exams, starting from January 18, 2021.

Earlier, VTU students had demanded online exams over concerns of safety amid the pandemic. The single bench of Justice R Devdas issued an official notice while orally stating:

"It is not for this Court to take this kind of decision. Officers of the University have taken a decision as per the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Central and State government".

Read: VTU Students Demand Exams Starting from Jan 18, 2021 to be Held in Online Mode

The Single Justice Bench also pointed out that Karnataka High Court is presently conducting offline exams for civil judges. During hearing today (January 13, 2021), Petitioner Advocate Tanvi Dubey informed the hon’ble court that plea does not seek cancellation of the exam but to be held in online mode.

The PIL states, earlier on October 19, 2020, VTU had informed students that both first year and supplementary exams are proposed to be held online. Following which, on December 9, VTU issued a circular that mentioned, all VTU affiliated colleges will conduct offline end-semester exams. 

Subsequently, about 1,373 students wrote a letter to the VC of VTU that explained all possible difficulties that may arise if exams are held in offline mode. As per the petitioner's case, VTU’s decision needs to consider all the concerns of students as well.

Read: VTU Students Move to Karnataka HC Against the Decision of Conducting Offline Exams

The plea also confirms that the December 9 notification of VTU was released at a time when cases reported of a new strain of COVID-19 spread in the country. Thus, students claimed that the university’s decision violates Article 14 and 21 of the right to health. 

Also Check: VTU Results 2020 (Released): Check @vtu.ac.in