Validity of GO on Class X mark certificates upheld

Madurai, Mar 1 (UNI) The Madurai bench of Madras High Court (HC) has upheld the validity of a Government Order (GO) dated December 31, 2001, for issuing marks certificates to Class X students after converting the marks obtained by them for a total of 1100 to 500 from the following academic year.

Mr Justice S Nagamuthu directed the government to amend the GO with respect to the methodology for converting the marks obtained in the Science subject because it was irrational, discriminatory and prejudicial to the students.

He said there was no unreasonableness in converting the marks obtained in English, Mathematics and other subjects, as the marks obtained against a total of 200 could be divided by two to obtain the score for a total of 100.

The trouble was with Science, where the marks obtained for a total of 300 (200 in theory and 100 in practical examination) had to be converted proportionately. The GO did not contemplate dividing the total marks secured out of 300 into three to arrive at an equivalent for 100 marks.

It also said the theory and practical marks should be converted separately and thereafter added together. The minimum passing marks could be fixed at 69 out of 200 in theory and 35 for 100 in practical examinations.

The Judge, while refusing to quash the GO, said converting the marks for the purpose of issuing mark certificates will in no way affect the preparation of the students, the method, pattern or outcome of the examination.

Thus, the present system introduced during the middle of the academic year will not jeopardise the interest of the students, he said.

UNI GSM DS GM LPB RN1410