HARSH GUPTA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The lis between the parties which calls for adjudication in this case is whether the petitioner is entitled under the existing rules to change his discipline?

(2.) The petitioner joined Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar in the academic session commencing in the year 2019 and was allotted the discipline of 'Mechanical Engineering Dual Degree'. On completion of the first year of his course, the petitioner sent an email dated 27.06.2020 to the Director of the Institute requesting for change to Computer Science Engineering and in the alternative to Mathematics and Computing. Based on this email, a report was sought whether a student of dual degree was eligible to seek a change. The academic section sent a report via email dated 08.07.2020 that being a five year course, students of dual degree were not entitled to convert to the four year B.Tech. course. Accordingly, the petitioner was informed through email of even date.

(3.) For the record, it may be noted that according to the Handbook of Information published for the Undergraduate Programme 2019-20 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Handbook') change of 'branch' was permissible at the end of first year provided the student fulfilled the criteria laid down in Clause 2.4.2 of the said Handbook. The said Clause 2.4.2 is reproduced below:-