Allahabad HC Orders Compensation for Changed Eligibility Rules at Allahabad University

The Allahabad High Court has directed Allahabad University to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to a student who was denied admission to the MA in women studies course despite clearing the entrance exam due to a change in eligibility criteria.

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The Allahabad High Court has directed the Allahabad University administration to pay a compensation of Rs 50,000 to a student who was denied admission to a master's degree course despite clearing the entrance examination. Justice Ashutosh Srivastava highlighted that the university changed the eligibility rules after the selection process for the MA in women studies course for the academic session 2022-2023 had commenced.

University's Rule Change After Selection Process

The court emphasized that the Allahabad University made changes to the eligibility criteria after the selection process had already begun. The amended criteria could not be applied to the case of the petitioner, Ajay Singh, who had cleared the entrance examination but was denied admission due to not meeting the criteria set on June 25, 2022, and notified on July 29, 2022.

Petitioner's Argument: Changing Rules Mid-Process

The counsel representing the petitioner argued that the university was incorrect in deeming Singh ineligible for admission, stating that "the rules of the game could not have been changed after the game had begun." The counsel pointed out that the online registration for the entrance test was held between June 11 and July 1.

Court's Decision: Compensation for Petitioner

In its decision dated January 10, the court acknowledged that the petitioner had applied for admission to the 2022-23 session, which had already commenced and was nearing its end. The court noted that directing the university to consider the petitioner's candidature at this stage would not serve any meaningful purpose.

However, recognizing the petitioner's suffering and the unnecessary legal proceedings he had to endure, the court deemed it appropriate to award compensation. The Allahabad University was ordered to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to the petitioner within a fortnight.

The Allahabad High Court's decision highlights the importance of adhering to established rules and procedures during admission processes. Changing eligibility criteria after the selection process can lead to legal challenges and unnecessary hardships for students who have fulfilled the initial requirements. The court's order serves as a reminder to educational institutions to maintain transparency and fairness in their admission practices.