(1.) This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.
(2.) The present petition was filed in July, 2020 by the Petitioners who were final year students pursuing their studies at the University of Delhi (hereinafter 'DU'), in respect of the conduct of the online Open Book Examinations (hereinafter 'OBE') by DU. The Petitioners sought quashing and withdrawal of the notifications dtd. 14/5/2020, 30/5/2020 and 27/6/2020 in respect of undergraduate and postgraduate students, including students of the School of Open Learning and Non-Collegiate Women Education Board. In the alternative, the following prayer was sought by the Petitioners:
(3.) The matter was listed for the first time before this Court on 6 th July, 2020. On the said date, various grievances against the conduct of the online OBE were placed before this Court. This Court was informed that there are several glitches in the online portal of DU and considering the diversity of the students in DU who are from all over the country, it may not be feasible for all students to give the OBE exams due to lack of internet connectivity and computer facilities. DU had however expressed their preparedness to conduct the examination. Bearing in mind the difficulties being faced by the final year students of DU, this Court had issued the following directions: