Kashmir University law students removed from exam hall for alleged attendance shortage
Students allege forcible removal despite Delhi High Court ruling against exam bar due to attendance; university staff and police involved
Twelve first-year law students at Kashmir University claim they were forcibly removed from the examination hall during their second end-semester exam on November 13 because of supposed attendance shortages. According to the students, university officials and police personnel physically pushed and dragged them out, preventing them from continuing the exam. When the students initiated a peaceful protest, proctorial staff stopped them.
The incident occurred despite a recent Delhi High Court judgment (In Re Sushant Rohilla) which held that law students must not be barred from exams solely for attendance deficiencies. However, Kashmir University officials reportedly argued that this ruling holds only persuasive value and is not binding in Jammu & Kashmir.
Earlier, a notice listing students barred for attendance shortage was circulated via a class WhatsApp group on November 6. Nevertheless, all students, including those barred, received exam admit cards. Other affiliated colleges under Kashmir University have condoned attendance shortages, permitting students to write exams.
Repeated requests for comments from the university’s Dean went unanswered at the time of reporting.