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HC Upholds Natural Justice in Student Expulsion Case
24 Mar
Summary
- Court set aside expulsion of two MBBS students due to procedural flaws.
- University failed to provide students a fair opportunity to defend.
- Students to appear before Vice-Chancellor on March 27, 2026.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has intervened in the case of two MBBS students expelled by Pandit BD Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, due to alleged examination malpractice. Justice Kuldeep Tiwari set aside the expulsions, emphasizing that adherence to the principles of natural justice is paramount, even in grave matters.
The university had expelled the students and cancelled their results based on a disciplinary board's findings, which relied on forensic handwriting analysis suggesting answer sheets did not match the students' writing. However, the High Court noted that the university failed to provide the students a fair opportunity to defend themselves.
Specifically, the court observed that crucial documents, including the disciplinary board's recommendations and the handwriting expert's report, were not furnished to the students before the expulsion order was issued by the vice-chancellor. This omission was deemed a violation of natural justice, rendering the expulsion legally unsustainable.
As a resolution, the High Court has directed the students to appear before the Vice-Chancellor on March 27, 2026. The university has been instructed to supply all pertinent documents, including the expert reports, ensuring the students can adequately present their defense.
