The High Court of Delhi on Friday, November 8, 2024, has directed Delhi University to comply with its order permitting a minority-category student to attend classes at St. Stephens College, amidst an ongoing seat allocation dispute between the college and the university. The High Court said that Delhi University cannot delay or hinder the implementation of its directive which allows the students to begin their studies at the prestigious institution.
This case was again brought to the court on November 8, 2024 following DU’s actions to recall the order, arguing that the case needs a review.
But it backfired when, Delhi High Court gave its verdict to the Delhi University that it is delaying the admission process of the minority category students of St. Stephens College even after High Court gave the verdict on October 18, 2024 in which it allowed minority students to attend the classes till further order. Delhi University is seen to be delaying the enrollment due to these procedural disagreements. The students affected by this issue also seek the relief from the High Court regarding this issue.
The bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, mentioned that “If the contemnors think they are above the law, we will tell them they are not. We will call them here to explain their conduct. Our order may be right or wrong, but you have to comply with it. This court is of the view that till the order is recalled, the same has to be complied with.”
This issue centers around disagreements between St. Stephen’s College which is a Christian minority institution and DU over the admission process and seat allocations for minority students. St. Stephen’s College reserves 50 % of its seats for students from the Christian community under the minority provisions. and also the college used to conduct interviews for minority candidates in addition to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) required by DU. However, Delhi University argued that the applicants should follow a uniform admission process to maintain transparency and fairness.
Justice Manmohan, emphasized on the fact that the administrative conflicts should not interfere with student educational progress. he said that the academic journey of students should not be compromised due to institutional disagreements. Also DU must facilitate the student’s attendance immediately.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also noted that Delhi University and St. Stephens College must come together to resolve their differences in the policies of admission to prevent further issues.
With this ruling the minority category student will be allowed to continue their studies at St. Stephen’s College.
