HC suggests DU to establish special cell for issuing degree certificates through virtual mode

The Delhi HC in, DR. AKSHITA KHOSLA & ORS vs. UNIVERSITY OF DELHI & ORS., asks Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Director, DU Computer Centre and Dr. Vinay Gupta, Dean (Examination), DU to join the proceedings to discuss the feasibility of establishing a special cell for issuing degree certificates through virtual mode.

Facts

The Petitioners graduated their MBBS course from Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi in 2018 but still haven’t received their degree certificate yet. They approached the court in the view of recent Dhritiman Ray v. University of Delhi judgment that asked DU to make the degree certificates available to the petitioners therein.

The counsel for DU said that they were working on giving the tender for printing the degree-certificates in a speedy manner.

The deadline of submission of bids for tender regarding the printing of degree certificate is 1/08/2020 and bids are to be open on 3/08/2020. A contract will be then entered and afterward, printing will take place. The petitioners say that the process is long drawn and won't give time to students who have deadlines to submit their documents for admissions abroad and various other purposes.

Court's view

The court asked DU to take a pragmatic approach and follow the footsteps of other institutions who have derived alternative ways to issue certificates through virtual mode, keeping in mind the relevant security features.

The court then asked Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Director, DU Computer Centre and Dr. Vinay Gupta, Dean (Examination), DU to join the proceedings on 23/07/2020 to look out at the feasibility of the establishment of a special cell to issue certificates, etc. via online mode and enable students to have a proper interface with DU.

Case Details

Petitioners- DR. AKSHITA KHOSLA & ORS.

Counsel for petitioners- Mr. Sarthak Maggon, Advocate

Respondents- UNIVERSITY OF DELHI AND ORS

Counsel for respondents-  Mr. Sachin Datta, Senior Advocate with Mr. Mohinder Rupal and Hardik Rupal, Advocates for University of Delhi. Mr. Apoorv Kurup, Advocate for UGC. Ms. Nidhi Raman, CGSC for UOI/R4. Mr. Shlok Chandra, Ms. Mansie Jain, and Mr. Chandratanay Chaubey, Advocates for R-5/GNCTD