New Delhi: In response to the Delhi and Maharashtra governments cancelling college exams, the University Grants Commission (UGC) told the Supreme Court on Monday that the states' move was against its rules.
An apex court bench led by Justice Ashok Bhushan was hearing a plea challenging the UGC's decision directing all universities and institutions to hold final year/semester examinations in September.
Maharashtra and Delhi informed the court that all exams have been cancelled in their states.
Appearing for the UGC, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended before the apex court that not conducting exams was against the interest of students and degrees would not be recognised if there are no exams.
SG Mehta said that the UGC is the only body that can prescribe rules for conferring a degree, and added that states cannot change the rules. He sought time to reply to the affidavits filed by the Maharshtra and Delhi governments cancelling exams.
Read: Delhi's varsities cancel all pending exams
Meanwhile, the apex court adjourned hearing in the matter till August 14.
Earlier on July 6, the UGC had issued revised exam guidelines mandating to hold final examinations in colleges and universities by the end of September stating that the academic credibility, career opportunities and future progress of students were linked to exams.
Read: Rahul Gandhi urges UGC to cancel varsity exams amid pandemic
