Kochi: A high court division bench has reserved its judgment for Tuesday on an appeal filed by Sree Sankara University of Sanskrit, Kalady, challenging a single bench order that permitted 16 students, accused of staging a mock cremation of the vice-chancellor during an alleged protest, to appear for the examination, contrary to the university’s decision.
Earlier, Archana P S of Palakkad and 15 other students had challenged their suspension in connection with the alleged protest and sought a directive permitting them to appear for the examination, scheduled to commence on Nov 4. He further submitted that the students had been under suspension for the past 90 days pending an inquiry.
A criminal case had been registered against the students in connection with the alleged protest, according to the appellants. The single bench issued an interim order directing the university to accept the prescribed exam fee from the students and permit them to appear for the ensuing examination. It further clarified that the appearance of the petitioners will be subject to the final decision in the petition. The university filed the present appeal challenging the interim order, contending that it was passed without giving it an opportunity to file objections. They further contended that the interim order was passed without verifying whether the petitioners had the minimum attendance and internal assessment marks required for registration. Opposing the appeal, senior counsel for the students argued that the interim order was issued after considering the university’s contentions as well.