The Delhi High Court on Monday declined to permit a law student, who fell short of the minimum attendance criteria, to participate in his fifth-semester exams at Delhi University. The court emphasized the significance of “classes” in training aspiring lawyers and dismissed the student’s interim application seeking a stay on the university’s detention order. The court issued notice to Delhi University on the main plea and scheduled a hearing for February 17.
During the hearing, the student’s father, also a lawyer, requested leniency. However, Justice Sanjeev Narula questioned the father about whether he had discussed the attendance issue with his son. The court stressed the importance of attending classes for professional training and suggested that facing the consequences at 24 years old would be an important message for the student.
The student argued that a fractured right hand from playing football in November had caused him to miss classes. The medical certificate supporting his claim was issued on December 30, stating bed rest until December 16. However, the court noted that whether this advice was given in previous prescriptions was unclear. Delhi University contended that, despite potential benefits for missed classes, the student’s attendance remained below the required 70%, even if the medical grounds were considered.
After reviewing attendance data, the court found that the student had attended only 123 out of 262 lectures. Rejecting the medical grounds, the court stated that the minimum attendance requirement of 70% provides some leeway for unforeseen circumstances, but the student’s attendance still fell short. The court concluded that allowing the student to sit for exams would not meet the minimum attendance requirement.