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HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Date of Decision: 7th October, 2020
RAMEY KRISHAN RANA ..... Petitioner
Through: Mr.Chinmoy Pradip Sharma, Adv. with Mr.Kush Sharma, Mr.Varun Sharma, Advs.
Through: Mr.Rajesh Gogna, CGSC with Mr.Akshya, Mr. Karan Chhibber and Mr. Vedansh Anand Advocates for R-1.
Mr. Apoorv Kurup and Ms. Nidhi Mittal, Advs. for Respondent No.2/UGC.
Mr.Preet Pal Singh, Adv. for BCI Mr.Anil Soni, Standing Counsel for R-5/AICTE.
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PRATEEK JALAN
JUDGMENT
Proceedings in the matter have been conducted through video conferencing.
C.M.No.25202/2020 (exemptions)
Allowed, subject to all just exceptions.
The application is disposed of.
W.P.(C) No.7584/2020 & C.M.No.25201/2020(interim relief)
1. This public interest litigation has been preferred with the following prayers:- “(i) issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No.1 to issue detailed guidelines directing Universities and 2020:DHC:2951-DB University like institutions to charge only tuition fees which is to be charged in installments either on a monthly basis or quarterly basis;
(ii) issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No. 1 to formulate guidelines directing Universities and University like institutions to disclose the break-up of fees charged from students in order to ascertain the tuition fee component from the lump-sum fee being charged;
(iii) issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No. 1 to issue directions to Universities and University like institutions to grant concessions to parents on a case-tocase basis in the form of extension of time period to deposit fees or payment on installment basis;
(iv) issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No. 1 to issue directions to Universities and University like institutions refrain from increasing their fee;
(v) issue a writ of mandamus directing the Respondents to ensure access of Online Education/material/classes to all students, without any discrimination, even to students who are unable to pay the school fee due to financial crisis arising out of the ongoing conditions;
(vi) issue a writ of mandamus directing the Respondents to formulate guidelines to ensure Universities and Universitylike institution to provide students with gadgets, 4G datapacks to be able to access online classes being conducted or, in the alternative provide students with printed study material, pen drives of lectures or infrastructure within premises for attending the online classes; and
(vii) pass any other order as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the present facts and circumstances, in the interest of justice.”
2. Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and looking to the limited submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner that it would suffice for the disposal of this petition if the same is treated as a representation by the concerned respondents authorities, we direct that the present writ petition be treated as a representation by the concerned respondent authorities. Keeping in mind the difficulties of the students, the respondent authorities are directed to decide the representation in accordance with law, rules, regulations and Government policies applicable to the facts of the case.
3. With these observations, the writ petition is disposed of.
CHIEF JUSTICE PRATEEK JALAN, J OCTOBER 07, 2020 ‘anb’