Court Order: Student Can Retake Exam Amid Eligibility Debate

The Bombay High Court at Goa has granted an interim order for a Goa University student to participate in his first-semester repeat examination, scheduled to commence on April 7. The bench, comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar, issued this directive in response to a writ petition filed by student Narayan Anand Gawade.

While allowing Gawade to sit for the papers, the court stipulated that his evaluated answer sheets must be sealed and held by the institution's head. The final results will be withheld until the petition is fully adjudicated. The central issue revolves around Gawade's alleged shortfall in cumulative attendance, a criterion that typically requires 75% in lectures and practicals for examination eligibility under university ordinances.

Goa University contended that students falling short of this threshold must re-register and repeat the semester. However, the court indicated that a detailed interpretation of the relevant ordinance provisions, within the specific context of Gawade's case, is necessary. The court also clarified that if the petition is dismissed, Gawade would need to seek fresh admission without claiming any rights based on the interim relief. The university is required to submit an affidavit, with the final hearing set for June 10.