Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka has allowed the first-, third-, and fifth-semester BCom examinations of Bangalore University (BU) to proceed as per the original schedule—on January 13, 15, 17, 20, and 21.
A division bench issued an order on Sunday, staying a January 10, 2025 ruling by a single bench, which had directed BU to reschedule the exams. The single bench’s order followed a petition filed by five students who argued that the BCom exams clashed with those of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). BU subsequently appealed, seeking an urgent hearing to overturn the earlier decision.
“We are of the opinion that directing the rescheduling of the examination, especially at the request of five students, is not appropriate. Therefore, we are inclined to issue an interim stay on the order passed by the single judge dated January 10, 2025. The exams scheduled from January 13, 2025, shall proceed as planned. Registry to list this matter on January 13, 2025, for further consideration,” the division bench stated.
Key Arguments Presented
The advocate for Bangalore University contended that the exam schedule was announced well in advance, with official notifications issued on December 13, 2024. Rescheduling the exams for the sake of five students would cause significant inconvenience to around 35,000 students already preparing for these exams. The advocate also cited Supreme Court rulings, emphasizing that decisions related to the conduct of exams fall under the purview of university policy and should be left to their discretion.
On the other hand, the advocate representing the petitioning students argued that the overlap with the ICAI exams placed the students in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between two crucial exams. The students had registered for ICAI’s foundation and intermediate exams, scheduled from January 11 to 21, which are critical for their careers in accountancy.
Court’s Observation
While the court acknowledged that BU could have considered the students’ concerns, it reiterated that the scheduling of exams is a policy decision, which does not warrant judicial interference. Consequently, the exams will be conducted as planned, ensuring that preparations for the majority of students remain unaffected.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 13, 2025.
1 thought on “Karnataka High Court Clears Way for Bangalore University BCom Exams”