A Division Bench of the Delhi High Court has highlighted the need to reconsider mandatory attendance requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate students, noting the potential impact on students’ mental health
The Bench, comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma, acknowledged that students today view compulsory attendance differently, and emphasized that such requirements could adversely affect their well-being.
The Court announced its intention to form a committee to study the issue and develop uniform practices for attendance requirements across colleges and universities. The Bench noted that teaching methods have evolved significantly, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, with virtual classes and online examinations becoming more common. In light of these changes, the traditional approach to mandatory attendance may need re-evaluation.
“This issue deserves to be addressed at a much higher level rather than restricting it to any specific course/college/university/institution,” the Court stated, suggesting that both regulatory bodies and universities may need to reconsider their long-standing attendance policies. The Court also stressed the importance of encouraging attendance in a positive manner, rather than penalizing students by debarring them from examinations for low attendance.
The Bench suggested analyzing global practices and consulting teachers, students, and other stakeholders to determine appropriate standards for attendance. It also called for wider consultations to assess the need for compulsory attendance in the current educational environment.
Notices were issued to the Central government, the National Medical Commission, the Department of Education, and other relevant stakeholders to submit their views on the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for September 9.
This discussion arose from a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) initiated after the tragic suicide of law student Sushant Rohilla. Rohilla, a student at Amit University, reportedly faced harassment from the institution and faculty members due to low attendance, which forced him to repeat a year in his BA LLB course, allegedly leading to his suicide.
(With inputs from agency)
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