Students of University of Delhi have moved the Delhi High Court against the university’s decision to conduct examinations on May 28, the day of Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), alleging that repeated requests to reschedule the exams were ignored.
The decision has triggered concern among Muslim students across the university, especially within the Faculty of Law, who argue that holding examinations on an important religious festival affects their ability to participate in both academic and religious obligations.
According to the students, several representations and memorandums were submitted to university authorities, including the Dean of the Faculty of Law and the Dean of Examinations, requesting a change in the schedule. However, the university issued a notification stating that examinations would continue as per the existing timetable.
Petition to Be Filed in Delhi High Court
Advocates Irfan Firdous and Shahreyar Khan are set to file a writ petition before the Delhi High Court on behalf of affected students, seeking the cancellation of the notification and postponement of examinations scheduled on Eid-ul-Adha.
The matter is expected to be mentioned before the court of the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on May 26.
Petition Raises Constitutional Concerns
The petition is expected to argue that the university’s decision raises concerns related to equality, dignity, religious freedom and fair access to education in public institutions.
Students have maintained that rescheduling the examination would be a reasonable step to ensure that Muslim students are not forced to choose between observing an important religious festival and appearing for examinations.
The university has not publicly announced any revision to the examination schedule so far.
