[OBE] Reconstitution of Grievance Redressal Committee not against integrity of DU, says Delhi HC as it allows DU to add a member

The Delhi High Court today allowed Delhi University to add a member of its choice to the court-constituted Grievance Redressal Committee in connection with the online open book examination for final-year students. (University of Delhi vs Anupam & Ors).The order was passed by a Division Bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad in the appeal preferred by Delhi University against the order passed by a Single Judge Bench on August 7. .[BREAKING] Delhi HC gives nod to Online open book examination (OBE) for Delhi University final year students.While giving its nod to the conduct of online OBE, the Single Judge had set up a Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) under the aegis of Justice (retd) Pratibha Rani. The other members of the Committee included Professor K. S. Rao; Professor Kavita Sharma; Senior Advocate BB Gupta and Advocate Kamal Gupta..Senior Advocate Sachin Dutta, appearing in Court for Delhi University sought the restoration of its own grievance redressal committee, albeit under the aegis of Justice Rani. .Arguing that interference "by outsiders", (the advocates) would impinge upon the functional autonomy and integrity of the university, he stated that DU was an institution of repute and should be trusted with the constitution of a grievance redressal forum. ."The Committee has to give a report. It's like the Committee is monitoring..", Senior Advocate Dutta argued as he pointed out that there were no pleadings before the single Judge with respect to its own proposed grievance committee. ."Is there any basis for the conclusion that our committee would not be transparent?", he further questioned. .Unimpressed by the submissions, the Court remarked, .If the exams go satisfactorily, with little creases here and there, what is the problem? .. If you are so squeaky clean, let outsiders scrutinize.Delhi High Court.At the very outset, the Court cautioned against 'ego', remarking,."You have the welfare of the students at heart. And your interest cannot be any different from that of the Court.".After hearing the parties, including the petitioners' counsel Advocate Akash Sinha, the Court stated that that the Grievance Redressal Committee constituted by the Single Judge, would have no role to play in the integrity or the functioning of the University..We are of the opinion that reconstitution of the Grievance Redressal Committee neither impinges on the integrity of the appellant/University nor does it intrude on its authority. In fact, selecting members of the Committee who are not a part of the University, but have sufficient experience at hand, would only add to its stature and endorse the impartiality of the process more so when it is headed by a retired judge of the High Court.Delhi High Court said in its order. .As a concession, the Court allowed the University to choose one person from its proposed committee to join the court-appointed Grievance Redressal Committee. .After initially suggesting the name of Dr Ajay Arora, the University chose Professor SC Rai. .Directing that the Committee including Professor Rai, assemble in the morning tomorrow, the Court further required the contact details of external members of the Committee to be shared with the other members. .Additionally, the Bench clarified that the Chairperson would have the casting vote, in case of cleavage..Shortly after the Division Bench hearing, the Single Judge Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh heard the application by the Grievance Redressal Committee with respect to Delhi University's non-cooperation and non-compliance with the order. .[DU OBE] Grievance Redressal Committee says DU not complying with the order; Delhi HC issues notice.After Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor PC Joshi, and Professor KC Rao, one of the Committee members, assured the Court that the order of the Division Bench would be complied with in letter and spirit, the Single Judge opined that there was no need for an order. .Read the detailed account of the Division Bench hearing here:.[Online OBE for final year students] Delhi HC hears DU's appeal Single Judge's directions - LIVE UPDATES.Read the Order: