"Student's Right to Education Cannot Be Overridden by University Ordinance," Says Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has asserted that a university's self-regulation ordinance should not supersede a student's right to education and the right to live with human dignity. In a recent case, the court ruled that it is the responsibility of educational institutions to accommodate students with medical conditions, ensuring they receive quality education.

The court made these remarks while hearing a case involving two students attending different colleges affiliated with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU). One of the students, suffering from allergic rhinitis, found her college located over 30 kilometers away from her residence. This condition is triggered by various allergens, making her daily commute challenging. Both students sought an interchange of institutions due to these circumstances.

However, they were met with resistance when the university amended Ordinance 7, effectively banning all forms of student migration within and between universities. While the court acknowledged that the ban was based on recommendations from the university's expert committee and did not appear arbitrary, it stressed the need for a more flexible approach in unique cases.

The court emphasized that students deserve quality higher education and should not be denied it due to uncontrollable medical ailments. It argued that universities must consider valid and justifiable reasons for migration, ensuring that students facing medical challenges are not deprived of their right to education.

The court directed the vice-chancellor of GGSIPU to make a decision within six weeks, encouraging a compassionate evaluation of the students' case without undue influence from the previous notification.

This ruling underscores the importance of accommodating students with medical conditions and upholding their right to access quality education.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University