[UGC VS STUDENTS] SC Hearing On Petitions Seeking Cancellation Of Final Year Exams [Courtroom Exchange]

SG now refers to the chain of events in a chronological manner, including the decision of MHA to reduce the extent of the lockdown. 

SG: There was a political somersault by the Maharashtra government in this matter. 

SG: It was their committee and their observations that the exams can be conducted. And the State accepted their report. But, I am not concerned only with Maharashtra. 

SG: On 6th May, State of Maharashtra constituted a State-level Committee by Minister of Higher and Technical Education. Their own committee recommended the conduct. 

SG Mehta continues his submissions. He refers to the compilations wherein the UGC Guidelines are enumerated. 

Connection with the Bench has been lost.

SG: Must be an electricity problem. I am having the problem too.

KV Vishwanathan: Imagine the plight of the students ! 

SG: First the Bench needs to decide who is superior. I don’t want to make this into a Centre v. State argument. But, let us look at the UGC Act and its powers. 

SG: Your Lordship has the jurisdiction to set this aside. But, I will put forth the contours of the jurisdiction. 

Navare: So, I completely support the UGC Guidelines.

 Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta now begins his submissions.

Navare: In this context, UGC completely has the power to mandate the conduction of exams. But, yes, the deadline of September 30 must be left to the individual Universities.