Question paper leakage: HC permits student to attend classes

Chennai, July 24 (UNI) Madras High Court today permitted Mr Vijay Khanna, one of the accused in the All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) question paper leak case, to attend classes in JIPMER, Pondicherry.

Ms Justice Prabha Sridevan granted the permission on a petition filed by Mr Khanna.

In his petition, Dr Khanna prayed to quash an order dated March 31, 2006 placing him under suspension. He also prayed to stay the operation of the order.

He was admitted for the three-year PG Course in April 2005.

Following allegation that he was also involved in the question paper leak case, he was arrested. However, he was released on bail on May 31, 2006.

Petitioner contended that he was in no way connected with entrance examination. He had no connection with the alleged leakage of question paper. However, he was falsely implicated in the case.

His laptop was one of the instruments used in connection with the question paper leak case. Excepting that he was the owner of the laptop he was in no way connected with the offence. When Dr Khanna wanted to attend classes after his release on June one, 2006, he was served with March 31 order placing him under suspension.

Unless, the suspension is revoked and he is permitted to attend classes, he will be greatly prejudicial. Filing of chargesheet may take about a year since the case has all India ramifications.

Even if the Chargesheet was filed, the trial was likely to go on for several years. The order of suspension was without jurisdiction since he was not in service- he was only a student.

UNI XR JJ SB RK2115