The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently upheld a decision of the Panjab University (PU) to disqualify a law student from appearing in any examination for two years after he was found cheating during an exam [Randeep Singh vs Panjab University and Others].

The BA LL.B student had been caught with notes while writing the paper of 'Law of Contract' in December 2023. 

Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri refused to reduce the punishment awarded to the student, observing that legal profession is governed by ethics.

“The petitioner is a student of LL.B. and he would be a future lawyer. The legal profession is a noble profession and is governed by legal ethics. This Court therefore does not deem it fit and proper to grant indulgence in its exercise of power under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,” the Court said.

The student was found guilty of Regulations 5(a) and 8 of the University Calendar Volume II, 2007 after objectionable material was recovered from him in his own handwriting and the same was found to have been copied in the answer book.

He argued before the High Court that two years' disqualification is long and it would affect his career. However, the PU argued that the student does not deserve any sympathy as he was caught red-handed and the decision was taken in accordance with the regulations.

The Court agreed, saying there was no reason for it to give any lesser punishment.

“The Regulations which have been reproduced provide for two years of disqualification and there is no reason for this Court to give any punishment which is lesser than the same and substituting the same with the aforesaid regulations,” it ruled while dismissing the plea.

Advocate Mohit Jaggi represented the petitioner.

Advocate Subhash Ahuja represented the respondents.

[Read Judgment]