News Reporter
Apex Court Allows Online Classes at Manipur University or Admissions at Assam and North East Hill University
New Delhi, 6 December, 23: In a significant development, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has provided a lifeline to hundreds of displaced Manipur students who fled their home state due to recent ethnic clashes. The apex court, on Monday, announced three viable options for these students to continue their education.
According to the court's decision, the displaced students can choose to attend online classes at Manipur University from any location across the country. Alternatively, they have the option to pursue their studies at either Assam University, Silchar, or North East Hill University, Shillong. The relocation process is mandated to be completed within two weeks from the students making their choices, and a nodal officer appointed by Manipur University will oversee this crucial task.
Chief Justice Chandrachud, along with the bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, expressed concerns about the quality of online education. They emphasized that while online classes were available not only to Manipur University students but also to those in other universities, the effectiveness of this mode remained uncertain. The court-appointed committee, headed by former J&K Chief Justice Gita Mittal, has been tasked with exploring additional alternatives to ensure minimal disruption to the students' academic careers.
Solicitor-general Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, suggested Assam University in Guwahati and North East Hill University in Shillong as viable options for the students. The Chief Justice endorsed this proposal, stating that students should be given the flexibility to choose among online classes at Manipur University or admissions at either Assam University or North East Hill University.
The court emphasized the urgency of the relocation process, specifying a two-week timeframe for completion. Manipur University has appointed a nodal officer, and details of this officer will be made available on the university's website. Any student seeking admission to the suggested universities can approach the nodal officer, who will facilitate the necessary steps for admission and relocation.
In its order, the bench recorded the assurances from the solicitor-general and the state advocate-general, underscoring Manipur University's responsibility to ensure that the relocation process does not hinder students from receiving their degrees. The court's proactive measures aim to address the human problem faced by these displaced students, acknowledging the challenges of fleeing violence and striving to provide viable educational alternatives in the midst of adversity.