Delhi University Law Exam Delayed Due to Student Protests

Exam Delayed by Four Hours

New Delhi: A scheduled exam at Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre started nearly four hours late on Tuesday. Students, led by ABVP members, protested the detention of 586 students for short attendance. This move was allegedly announced just two days before the exams.

Why Students Protested

• Many students boycotted the exam in solidarity.
• They demanded the detentions be revoked.
• Students said they lacked time to make up for the shortage.

Official Notice from the Dean

Later, the dean of the Faculty of Law, Anju Vali Tikoo, announced that the detained students would be allowed to sit for the exam. This decision is subject to clearance from an enquiry committee.

The notice read: “All the students who have been detained due to shortage of attendance are being provisionally allowed to sit in the LLB II/IV/VI term examination, subject to the outcome of the enquiry committee.”

University Rules and Allegations

University rules say students must maintain 75% attendance to be eligible for exams. Colleges often provide remedial classes to help students compensate. However, student groups alleged that no such options were provided in this case.

Escalating Tensions and Police Presence

The exam, scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM, was delayed until 1 PM as tensions escalated. A heavy police presence was seen on the campus. Videos showed scuffles between members of ABVP and NSUI.

The two groups clashed when NSUI leader and DUSU president Ronak Khatri, a final-year law student, was seen leaving after writing the exam. Protesters questioned how he was allowed to appear despite allegedly not meeting attendance norms.

Concerns Over Graduation Delays

Many detained students were in their sixth semester. Protesters raised concerns that the detention would delay their graduation.

ABVP Delhi state secretary Sarthak Sharma said: “The dean’s biased and anti-student decision has pushed hundreds of students to the brink. It’s unfortunate that educational institutions, instead of supporting students, are crushing their aspirations.”

Confusion and Demands for Re-Examination

Meanwhile, confusion prevailed at other centers assigned for the exam. Question papers did not reach on time, and students were asked to leave. Many demanded a re-examination.

AISA DU secretary Anjali said: “Due to mismanagement and last-minute detentions, there was complete chaos. Even at other colleges where students were assigned to take the exam, question papers did not arrive. Answer sheets were distributed, but after a prolonged delay and confusion, students were eventually asked to leave. Many came from far-off places and later found out the exam had been conducted. What happens to them now? The administration must re-conduct the exam for those affected.”