PRAYRAK MEHTA Vs. UNIVERSITY OF DELHI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These Writ Petitions are filed by the petitioners seeking appropriate direction directing the respondent to recognise and include all 14 Extra Curricular Activities for the purposes of consideration and admission under Extra Curricular Activity (ECA) and Sports Quota for the Academic Session 2020-21, as per existing Policy/Practice followed by respondent in the last Academic Session 2019-20. Other connected reliefs are also sought. Arguments in the lead matter being WP(C)4001/2020 were heard. For the purpose of this judgment the facts of the said case are narrated herein.

(2.) Petitioner No.1 is said to be performing at the stage as an enthusiastic child dancer and theatre artist since the tender age of 4. Petitioner No.2 is said to be a gifted and hugely talented classical singer and is a 5th year student from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. She has been learning Indian Classical Music since the tender age of 4. Petitioner No.3 is a musician specializing in 'drums'. He has been playing drums for over 12 years and is deeply passionate about his instrument.

(3.) It is pleaded that the respondent University mandates admission of at least 1% each of the total intake capacity of students under the ECA Category and Sports Quota subject to a ceiling of 5%. It is the grievance of the petitioners that for the Academic Session 2020-21, as per the Bulletin of Information for admission, due to Covid-19 respondent University has scrapped the admissions of most of the Extra Curricular Activities restricting admissions for sub-category of NCC and NSS certificate holders only. Further, admission based on sports were to take place without conduct of trials. It was strenuously pleaded that the rational appears to be arbitrary and unreasonable under the given circumstances. Hence, present writ petition.