Case: Punjab University, Chandigarh Etc Vs. Sunder Singh and Others

RANGANATH MISRA, J. 1. Each of these appeals is by special leave and is directed against the decision of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana in separate writ petitions. A common question is involved in all the three matters and that relates to a correct interpretation of Rule 27.1(a) in Chapter III of the Punjab University Regulations. 2. Respondents in each of these appeals was a student of the Punjab University for the Master Degree in Law (LL.M). Rule 7 of the Punjab University Regulations provides:"7. The minimum marks required to pass Part I/II examination, as the case may be, shall be: (i) 45 per cent in each paper; and (ii) 50 per cent in the aggregate." 3. It may be stated that there are eight papers in all each carrying 100 marks and Part-I covers four papers while Part-II covers the remainder. Rule 27 reads as follows:"27.1(a). A candidate who appears in all subjects of an examination and who fails in one or more subject (written, practical, sessional or viva voce) and/or the aggregate (if there is a separate requirement of passing on the aggregate) shall be given grace marks up to maximum of 1 per cent of the total aggregate marks (excluding marks for internal assessment) to make up the deficiency if by such addition the candidate can pass the examination. While awarding grace marks fraction working to 1/2 or more will be rounded to a whole; Provided that grace marks be also awarded to a candidate if by awarding such marks he can earn exemption or compartment in subject/s and part/s. (b) A candidate who re-appears to clear the compartment or subject/s and part/s in which he has been declared (eligible) to re-appear shall be awarded grace marks up to 1% of the total marks of the subject/s and part/s in which he re-appears if by such addition the candidate can pass in that subject/s or part/s." Each of the respondents failed to satisfy the requirements of Rule 7 and being eligible to clear the subject in which he failed on compartmental basis reappeared in such subject in the next examination. As on the performance of the subsequent examination each of the respondents was not eligible to pass by complying with the requirements of Rule 7, the need for invoking Rule 27 arose. The University authorities took the view that Rule 27.1(b) authorised addition of the grace marks of up to 1 per cent on the marks secured in the subject/s in which the candidate reappeared and as with that benefit given the candidates did not pass, they. were found not to have been successful. That led to each of the respondents filing a separate writ application before the High Court.4. The High Court referred to the rule and observed:"The only question to be seen is whether Regulation 27.1(a) in Chapter III of the Punjab University Calendar, Volume II, 1976, relating to Moderation of Question Papers and results of examinations, is applicable or not. We have gone through clauses (a) and (b) of this Regulation very carefully and we find that clause (b) is not applicable. We are unable to agree with the contention of Shri Gupta, the learned counsel for the University that the case would fall under clause (b). This contention is without any merit as it is clear that this clause will only come into play if the candid ate is failing in the subject in which he or she reappears. It is quite clear from the facts that the petitioner has not so far availed advantage as given in clause (b) so that she could get one per cent mark of the total marks in all the subjects The contention of the learned counsel for the University, that clause (a) will only apply if a candidate appears in all the subjects in the examination, is without any merit. The language of this provision does not show what has been contended before us.For the reasons recorded above, we allow this writ application and direct the University to make available the benefit of clause (a) of the said Regulation to the petitioner and declare the result of the petitioner accordingly." 5. A bare reading of the Rule 27 (referred to as the Regulations by the High Court) makes it clear that clause (a) is applicable where the full examination is taken and clause (b) is attracted where the candidate reappears to clear the compartment or subject and part in which he has been declared eligible to reappear. In each of these cases the candidate was reappearing to clear the paper in which he or she had failed; clause (b) was clearly attracted and the benefit under clause (a) was not available. The University had taken that decision and took the same stand before the High Court in answer to the rule nisi. We are clearly of the opinion t hat the High Court went wrong in taking the view that when a candidate reappeared to clear a paper or a subject on being found eligible to do so, clause (a) was attracted. The language of clause (b) is such as would squarely apply to such a situation. Having taken the view that clause (a) governed the matter, the High Court had no occasion to express any opinion as to if clause (b) applied what benefit the candidate would have got. The provision in clause (b) is clear and on reappearing the candidate becomes entitled to grace marks of up to one per cent of the total marks of the subject/subjects in which he reappears. Once clause (b) applies no reference is available to the performance in the regular examination take n earlier and the benefit of grace marks to the extent indicated has to be confined to the performance at the reappearance. 6. Once this is the position each of the candidates was not eligible to pass. We, however, find that a direction was give n in this Court on 19.6.80 on the concession of the University that the respondents in the two appeals of 1980 would be declared to have passed irrespective of the result of the appeals. Learned counsel appearing for the University before us reiterated his consent and even agreed that the respondent in the remaining appeal may be given the same advantage as the University did not intend to make any discrimination. In view of this special feature we do not disturb the declaration of the University that each of the respondents has passed the examination taken by him or her.We must indicate our disapproval of the position obtaining in the Punjab University that in respect of post- graduate degrees grace marks are being awarded. A masters degree in any speciality is considered to be the highest qualification in the normal run. It is very much necessary that such a degree should be conferred only on the deserving students who having studied the subject and taken the appropriate examination conducted by the University at the end of such studies have deserved the degree on the basis of their performance. There should be no scope for looking for grace marks at such level and the sooner the Punjab University abandons the practice of awarding grace marks in respect of post-graduate examinations the better it would be in the interest of higher education in this country.

Decision reasoning: 1[ds]A bare reading of the Rule 27 (referred to as the Regulations by the High Court) makes it clear that clause (a) is applicable where the full examination is taken and clause (b) is attracted where the candidate reappears to clear the compartment or subject and part in which he has been declared eligible to reappear. In each of these cases the candidate was reappearing to clear the paper in which he or she had failed; clause (b) was clearly attracted and the benefit under clause (a) was not available. The University had taken that decision and took the same stand before the High Court in answer to the rule nisi. We are clearly of the opinion t hat the High Court went wrong in taking the view that when a candidate reappeared to clear a paper or a subject on being found eligible to do so, clause (a) was attracted. The language of clause (b) is such as would squarely apply to such a situation. Having taken the view that clause (a) governed the matter, the High Court had no occasion to express any opinion as to if clause (b) applied what benefit the candidate would have got. The provision in clause (b) is clear and on reappearing the candidate becomes entitled to grace marks of up to one per cent of the total marks of the subject/subjects in which he reappears. Once clause (b) applies no reference is available to the performance in the regular examination take n earlier and the benefit of grace marks to the extent indicated has to be confined to the performance at the reappearanceOnce this is the position each of the candidates was not eligible to pass. We, however, find that a direction was give n in this Court on 19.6.80 on the concession of the University that the respondents in the two appeals of 1980 would be declared to have passed irrespective of the result of the appeals. Learned counsel appearing for the University before us reiterated his consent and even agreed that the respondent in the remaining appeal may be given the same advantage as the University did not intend to make any discrimination. In view of this special feature we do not disturb the declaration of the University that each of the respondents has passed the examination taken by him or her.We must indicate our disapproval of the position obtaining in the Punjab University that in respect of post- graduate degrees grace marks are being awarded. A masters degree in any speciality is considered to be the highest qualification in the normal run. It is very much necessary that such a degree should be conferred only on the deserving students who having studied the subject and taken the appropriate examination conducted by the University at the end of such studies have deserved the degree on the basis of their performance. There should be no scope for looking for grace marks at such level and the sooner the Punjab University abandons the practice of awarding grace marks in respect of post-graduate examinations the better it would be in the interest of higher education in this country.