Delhi HC directs DU to set up a mechanism for digital certificate [Read Order]

In pursuance of the Delhi HC order of 22nd July 2020, Prof. Vinay Gupta, the Dean(Examinations) of DU along with Mr. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Director of DU Computer Centre joined the proceedings on 23rd July 2020 to discuss the possibility of establishing a special cell for issuing degree certificates to students. To this, both the officials said that they have no objection to consider issuing digital degree certificates but the same might take some time as it would involve approval of budgets, etc.

The counsel for petitioners told the court that National Academic Depository (hereinafter, ‘NAD’) which has been set up under the aegis of the UGC is seen as the online storehouse of academic awards and the services of same can be used to issue the certificates which are as good as physical certificates. NAD performed a range of functions including registration of institutions, students based on their Adhaar Number, allowing institutions to upload academic awards issued by them and also gave the facility to print the authentic copy of the same.

To this Prof. Gupta replied that they have already entered into an agreement with NAD, but the court replied to them by saying the facilities are not being utilized effectively by DU.

The court understood the graduates' predicament and didn't find it feasible that everyone would file a writ petition to get their certificates since the petitioners relied on Dhritiman Ray's judgment that called for a hand-filled certificate.

The court then directed DU to do the following:-

1. Setting up of a mechanism to issue digital degree certificates.
2. Appointing an in charge of the digital facility to whom students can write an e-mail and obtain certificates
3. Place on record, the agreement with NAD
4. Effective use of NAD's unique facility

The court asked Mr. Sanjeev Singh to obtain the digital signature for himself before the next date in order to ensure that students who need the certificates on an urgent basis, get it.

The court also issued a notice to NAD whereby a senior official shall update the court by way of an affidavit as to details of the agreement entered into between NAD and DU and status of the data already received and to be received from DU.

Read Order @Latestlaws.com