Delhi High Court: Pratibha M. Singh, J., noted that the present matter of non-issuance of degree certificates from Delhi University shows that there seems to be complete administrative lethargy on the part of all the authorities.
Petitioner a student of Delhi University had received the Commonwealth Scholarship by Kings College London, however the same could not materialize due to the non-filing of the degree certificate in time which was to be issued by Delhi University.
Thus, the present petition has been filed with regard to non-issuance of petitioner’s degree and now one final opportunity is available for him to avail the above-mentioned scholarship for which he would require the degree certificate.
Counsel for Delhi University submitted that the reason for non-issuance of the degree certificate was lack of proper quality paper and contract with the printer had also expired.
To the above submission, Court had passed the following order:
“8. This Court is of the opinion that there needs to be a proper streamlined procedure with proper deadlines being fixed for issuance of the mark sheets, transcripts, degree certificates, etc. so that students of DU are not inconvenienced in any manner. Accordingly, it is directed that Professor Vinay Gupta, Dean of Examinations, DU shall appear before this Court on 7th July, 2020 and suggest a proper schedule and timeline for issuance of degree certificates and other related documents as also the respective officers who would be personally responsible for the same.
9. Mr. Rupal, ld. counsel shall also obtain instructions and make a statement as to in what manner the degree certificate can be given to the Petitioner at the earliest and in any case, before 10th July, 2020.”
Prof. Vinay Gupta, Dean, Examination, University of Delhi assured the Court that the degree certificate for the petitioner would be issued on or before 10th July, 2020.
Immediately after the Convocation, DU is expected to release the degree certificates to its students. In the case of the Petitioner, the journey after completion of his studies, to obtain the degree certificate has turned out to be arduous and unpleasant.
Court took serious note of the present situation and the fact that issuance of degree certificates are being delayed, that too due to completely unjustifiable reasons.
“…issuance of degree certificates which ought to be a happy and memorable occasion has been turned into a laborious and burdensome process.”
In Court’s opinion, the completely unjustifiable reasons such as lack of paper, lack of printing facilities, etc. does not justify the non-issuance of the degree certificate for a period of three long years.
There is thus a need for the DU to streamline the process of issuance of degree certificates with a fixed timeline and schedule. Accordingly, an affidavit shall be placed on record by the University of Delhi, also DU shall create a dedicated helpline for the said purpose.
Insofar as the Petitioner is concerned, since time is of the essence, Prof Gupta has agreed to expedite the issuance of the degree certificate. Accordingly, the Petitioner shall approach the office of Prof. Vinay Gupta, Dean, Examination, Delhi University, North Campus on 9th July, 2020 at 3:00 p.m, to collect his original degree certificate.[Dhritiman Ray v. University of Delhi, 2020 SCC OnLine Del 735 , decided on 07-07-2020]
